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Survey finds that Americans are uncomfortable with companies that operate AI chatbots sharing their health data
Washington, DC – Two new Consumer Reports surveys explore the use of and attitudes toward text-based generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots by consumers in the United States. Artificial intelligence is being used every day across the country and is increasingly being integrated in the lives of Americans, from customer service to online medical advice.
CR conducted two separate nationally representative multi-mode surveys–one of 2,062 US adults in August 2023 and one of 2,070 US adults in November 2023–to measure consumer use and sentiments related to generative AI chatbots such as ChatGPT and more health-related uses of such AI chatbots.  
Grace Gedye, policy analyst at CR, said, “With the rising popularity of AI services over the past year, we wanted to study American consumers’ familiarity with AI chatbots. We also wanted to understand consumers’ preferences regarding how their personal data is used and reused. The survey highlights that consumers use AI chatbots for education, writing, editing, and a variety of other tasks. The survey also shows that the vast majority of consumers don’t think it’s acceptable for companies that own chatbots to sell or share their health data.” 
“People should be mindful when using AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants. These services can be tremendously helpful, but they can also provide incorrect information and use consumers’ data in ways they don’t expect. As artificial intelligence becomes integrated in our daily lives, Consumer Reports is advocating for regulatory guardrails and greater transparency to prevent unintended consequences of AI.”
Key findings of the surveys include: 
Which types of AI chatbot services are most popular
How Americans use AI chatbots
Why Americans turn to AI chatbots
Health-related uses of chatbots and apps
Acceptable uses of health data
Consumer Reports advocates for legislation at the state and federal level to protect consumers from algorithmic discrimination and other AI-related harms. Clearer standards are needed regarding the responsible use of AI across multiple industries, as well as tools for conducting audits and risk assessments. 
Media contact: Cyrus Rassool, cyrus.rassool@consumer.org 

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