A recent wellness survey released by Columbus-based health insurer Aflac revealed that younger generations, in alarming numbers, are turning to Artificial Intelligence (AI) for their first line of primary healthcare.
In the annual Wellness Matters survey, Aflac referred to the findings as a wellness paradox, with 76% of Gen Z and 63% of millennials turning to AI to research symptoms before seeking professional medical care.
The wellness paradox describes the growing disconnect where people, especially younger generations, feel confident and informed about their health, yet actively delay routine preventive care, checkups, and recommended medical screenings.
Key Aspects of the wellness paradox
- Health Confidence vs. Action: Individuals report feeling in control of their well-being, often using digital tools or AI for health advice, but skip primary care visits.
- Reactive Healthcare: A shift from proactive checkups to relying on urgent care or emergency rooms when issues finally arise.
- Driving Factors: High costs, long wait times, scheduling difficulties, and the subjective feeling of being “healthy enough”
Primary care shift: digital first, doctor second?
August is National Wellness Month, a time to emphasize the importance of healthy routines, sustainable health habits, and preventive care. Young Americans are taking a digital-first approach to healthcare, with three-quarters of Gen Z and more than half of millennials using AI instead of seeking professional medical support and expertise typically provided by a human physician, therapist, or dietician.
“AI is a tool that can be helpful, but it is not a substitute for the information to be interpreted by a professional,” said Dr. John Jenkins with Elite Family Medicine in Columbus. “You may not get the answers you need. Symptoms and family history are essential for an effective diagnosis.”
According to Aflac’s survey, on-demand access to social media, health influencers, and online search is helping Gen Z and millennials feel more informed and confident on health matters, but they are equally passive when it comes to making preventive care appointments.
While often bypassing traditional care, ironically, Gen Z and millennials are spending more on self-care than any other generation. In fact, Gen Z (43%) and millennials (39%) are far more likely to spend at least $100 per month across categories than Gen X (10%) and baby boomers (6%). Categories include vitamins and supplements, organic foods, salon services, mental health therapy, wellness retreats, and more. Despite this, they are also more likely to be reactive when it comes to professional healthcare.
Use of emergency rooms and urgent care signals a reactive approach to health
Holding consistent year over year, more than 2 in 5 Americans primarily use emergency and urgent care for their healthcare needs, showing a significant shift from proactive to reactive healthcare.
“It drives up the cost of emergency care and overloads resources,” explained Dr. Jenkins. “Knowledge is power, but working with a doctor creates a team.”
What is left behind in the self-care surge?
Despite feeling confident in their health, many Americans lack knowledge around long-term health risks, particularly those associated with cancer.
- 46% of Americans don’t know when they are supposed to begin cancer screenings.
- 51% of Gen Z feel it’s unlikely they will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, compared to 36% of millennials and 26% of Gen X.
- Nearly 90% of Gen Z diagnosed with cancer admit to avoiding a screening.
“Fortunately, early detection can push five-year survival rates above 90% for many cancers, according to the American Cancer Society.”
From that perspective, Artificial Intelligence might not give you a heads-up. Next question: does the convenience outweigh the risk?
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