A recent survey conducted by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) reveals a striking trend: nearly half of Canadians are now using artificial intelligence (AI) for health information. Alarmingly, those who rely on these AI platforms are reporting health-related issues at five times the rate of those who seek information through traditional means. This finding underscores a troubling dynamic in the landscape of health information access and trust.
Surge in Online Health Searches
The CMA’s 2026 Health and Media Tracking Survey, released on Tuesday, highlights the increasing reliance on the internet for health information, with 80 per cent of respondents citing it as the fastest way to find answers. However, the survey also reveals that a staggering 64 per cent of Canadians encounter false or misleading content during their online searches.
Interestingly, many Canadians turn to the internet only as a last resort; 57 per cent admitted they seek online information primarily when they are unable to consult a family doctor or another healthcare professional. This suggests a concerning gap in access to medical care that drives individuals to rely on potentially unreliable sources.
Distrust in AI Yet Increased Usage
Despite the surge in AI usage, only 27 per cent of Canadians express confidence in these technologies for providing accurate health information. Margot Burnell, president of the CMA and a medical oncologist, expressed her surprise at this paradox: “What is most disturbing is that they are cautious about AI, they don’t trust it … but they’re using it,” she stated. Burnell attributed this to a lack of access to healthcare services, indicating that when traditional avenues are unavailable, people turn to the internet for guidance.
The survey, which was conducted by Abacus Data with a sample size of 5,000 Canadians from November 3 to 13, 2025, has a margin of error of 1.38 per cent, 19 times out of 20. This marks the third iteration of the CMA’s annual survey, and its results paint a worrying picture of declining trust within the health information ecosystem.
Erosion of Trust in Health Information
Concerns about health misinformation, particularly originating from the United States, were echoed by 77 per cent of respondents who reported feeling anxious about the reliability of health information available to them. This scepticism extends to news outlets and provincial public health agencies, as 40 per cent of Canadians expressed neutrality or distrust towards scientific studies.
Despite the general mistrust of online information, many Canadians still turn to healthcare practitioners for guidance. Most respondents indicated that they “fully trust” or “generally believe” in the expertise of their family doctors, pharmacists, and nurse practitioners, viewing these professionals as reliable sources amidst the overwhelming volume of online data.
The Dangers of Misleading AI Information
The CMA’s findings coincide with a growing apprehension regarding the potential dangers posed by AI-driven health information. The survey indicated that 52 per cent of respondents are using AI for health-related searches and 48 per cent for treatment advice. Alarmingly, a recent investigation by The Guardian revealed that Google’s AI Overviews have disseminated inaccurate health guidance, raising serious concerns among experts. For instance, advice given to pancreatic cancer patients to avoid high-fat foods was later contradicted by medical professionals who suggested the opposite could be more beneficial.
Dr. Amrit Kirpalani, a paediatric nephrologist from London, Ontario, has noted an uptick in patients mentioning information derived from AI platforms. “People have said, ‘Hey, I typed the diagnosis into ChatGPT and it told me that me or my child could also have a problem with this … or maybe I should be on this drug,’” he shared. This reliance on AI-generated content has led to increased anxiety among patients, highlighting the urgent need for better health information resources.
In a study published in 2024, Dr. Kirpalani and his colleagues found that ChatGPT accurately diagnosed only 50 per cent of 150 medical cases, despite its ability to produce convincing yet incorrect medical information. He emphasised the necessity for equitable access to healthcare services and acknowledged the role AI plays in patient discussions today.
“I know people are using these tools,” Dr. Kirpalani remarked. “I’d rather have that open discussion than say, ‘Oh don’t use that’ – and they use it anyway.”
Why it Matters
The findings from the CMA survey illustrate a critical intersection between technology and healthcare access in Canada. As more individuals turn to AI for health information, the potential for misinformation poses significant risks to public health. With trust in traditional sources eroding, it becomes imperative for healthcare providers to engage in open dialogues with patients about the use of AI and ensure that reliable, accurate information is readily accessible. The implications of this trend extend beyond individual health decisions; they can influence broader public health outcomes and policies in an increasingly digital age.