A third of young adults turn to AI for substance-use information

A Rutgers study revealed that more than a third of young adults aged 18 to 29 utilize AI chatbots, like ChatGPT, for information related to substance use, primarily seeking insights into risks and consequences. Researchers surveyed nearly 1,000 participants to explore the frequency and characteristics of individuals turning to generative AI for substance-related information and their perceptions of the results generated by these AI systems.

Approximately 66% of young adults employ AI for various purposes, including searching for information, seeking medical advice, and acquiring data on substances and substance use. The research, published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research Formative Research, raised concerns as AI chatbots can disseminate misinformation.

Study lead author Mireia Triguero Roura highlighted the potential risks associated with using AI for substance use information, as it can result in misinformed or high-risk behaviors among young individuals, who are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of substance use. The study found that around half of the respondents using AI for substance use-related information did so at least once a month.

Notably, Black and male participants were more likely to utilize AI for substance use purposes. The disparities in AI usage among young adults could be attributed to factors such as healthcare access, stigma, trust, and health information-seeking behaviors. Researchers also found that young adults perceived AI tools as highly trustworthy, reliable, and helpful.

The authors, including Pia M. Mauro and Mireia Triguero Roura, emphasized the need for further research to understand how young adults interpret and assess AI-generated outputs related to drugs and alcohol. They also suggested investigating the implications of this new source of information on public health.