27% of Britons say they have a lot or moderate amount of health anxiety as many turn to online sources and AI to check symptoms

New polling from Ipsos in the UK, commissioned by ITV, reveals that two-thirds of Britons say they have experienced health-related anxiety, with nearly three in ten (28%) saying they have used an AI chatbot for information about their own health. 

Shift towards digital healthcare solutions

• Two in three (66%) Britons have looked up the symptoms online on websites like NHS.uk within the past year.
• Almost three in ten (28%) say they have also used AI chatbots for their own health. 

Mental health impact from digital health content

• Two-thirds (67%) of Britons say they experience health-related anxiety, with 27% saying they have a lot/a moderate amount, and 40% saying they have a little.
• 29% of Britons say that seeing health-related content on social media makes them feel more anxious about their health (8% much more anxious, 21% a little more anxious). 32% say it has no impact.
• 31% say looking up their symptoms online makes them feel more anxious about their health (7% much more anxious, 24% a little more anxious). 27% say it has no impact. 

When asked what actions they have taken

• After looking up symptoms online:
  • 35% decided to book an appointment at their GP practice
  • 27% got information but still booked an appointment at their GP practice as planned
  • 26% decided they didn't need to book an appointment at their GP practice
  • 22% used another health service (e.g. pharmacy, NHS 111)
• After using an AI chatbot:
  • 27% decided they didn't need to book an appointment at their GP practice
  • 26% decided to book an appointment at their GP practice
  • The same proportion (26%) got information but still booked an appointment at their GP practice as planned
  • 15% used another health service (e.g. pharmacy, NHS 111)

Anna Quigley, Research Director at Ipsos Public Affairs, said:

With just over a quarter of the population experiencing at least a moderate amount of health-related anxiety, it is evident that the public is already using digital options for their health. Two-thirds have checked their symptoms online while already three in ten have used an AI chatbot for their health. However, while these digital platforms offer convenience and accessibility, it is crucial to acknowledge the mental health implications they carry, as well as the potential for misleading or false information that they may provide.

Technical note: 

• Ipsos interviewed a representative sample of 1,058 Online British adults aged 18-75 across Great Britain between the 7th-8th January 2026.
• Data are weighted to match the profile of the population. All polls are subject to a wide range of potential sources of error.