Just 44% of Americans report trusting AI in healthcare today, down from 52% in 2024. While nearly half of Americans say they trust AI, only 14% report using it for those purposes.
These findings were reported as part of a 2026 study by Reach3 Insights and Rival Technologies, which collected quantitative, open-ended, and video responses from 1,043 Americans.
At 53%, the majority of Americans report a negative sentiment toward AI’s integration in health care. However, among the 14% who currently use it, 88% trust AI in healthcare and 87% feel positive about its integration, compared with 38% and 41% among non-users.
The study revealed insights driving both positive and negative attitudes towards AI. Today, let’s examine both, starting with the skeptics.
Understanding Non-users
From a practical standpoint, America’s apprehension—or outright opposition—to AI comes as no surprise. Predictions in the media about mass AI job replacements have people understandably wary; couple that with the steep environmental cost of powering data centres.
A quick Google search generates dozens of articles about the massive amounts of potable water being diverted from communities to cool data centre systems. As the world enters a new era of global water bankruptcy, American tech companies are investing billions in AI infrastructure and data centres. It’s a curious contrast to say the least. We could get lost in that rabbit hole, but for now, let’s home in on healthcare.
Non-AI users cited a lack of trust and fear of harm as the leading reasons for their distrust of AI in health and wellness. Other concerns related to data privacy, surveillance, and misuse. Some people see AI as dehumanizing healthcare, believing healthcare should be based on the individual, not on algorithms, and fearing a loss of empathy and human judgment.
Others are more open to analytical AI, believing that generative AI is unreliable because it tends to tailor its answers to please the user.
While AI adoption in healthcare remains limited, not everyone who expresses uncertainty is opposed to using it:
Leveling with Adopters
On the other side, there are genuine motivations for seeking AI for medical advice. These range from the obvious—convenience, personalized guidance, and planning support—to more nuanced reasons that address gaps in a system that isn’t designed for everyone.
Convenience and cost savings were common themes that emerged from the data. Rather than waiting for a doctor’s appointment, medical questions can now be answered as quickly as one can type—and they don’t come with a hefty bill. As insurance becomes harder to obtain in the U.S., the appeal of free chatbots that answer medical questions without requiring people to take time off work or take on debt is clear.
Other reasons are more nuanced still, such as emotional reassurance and non-judgmental support. While the study did not take gender or race into account, when we consider the wealth of research showing that women and other minority groups are far more likely to have their symptoms dismissed or be misdiagnosed, we can understand why certain people may turn to AI for support.
Overall, sentiment towards AI in health and wellness is predominantly negative to mixed, with strong skepticism outweighing enthusiasm. Will this erosion of trust continue, or will there be a shift in sentiment in the future? Share your thoughts with Angus Reid USA to collect FREE gift cards for filling out polls and short surveys on these issues and more.
