Survey finds Gen Z turns to AI for sexual health questions despite misdiagnoses
A new US survey shows that about 10 per cent of Gen Z adults have used AI chatbots to assist with diagnosing a sexually transmitted infection or disease, with some reporting inaccuracies and raising privacy concerns.
According to a January 2026 survey of 2,520 US adults aged 18 to 29, roughly 20 percent of Gen Z have queried AI chatbots about STIs/STDs, and 1 in 10 specifically sought help with diagnosis or suspicion of infection.
Among those who later sought formal medical testing, about 31 percent said the chatbot’s assessment was incorrect, highlighting risks of relying on AI for health diagnostics.
Respondents often shared symptom details and even photos with the bots, and many said they were more comfortable discussing sensitive topics with an AI than with a clinician, despite potential privacy and accuracy limitations.
Medical experts emphasise that while AI can support general health education, these tools are not replacements for clinical diagnosis or professional medical testing, which remain necessary for accurate STI/STD identification and treatment.
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