What question did this study set out to answer?

Examine the role of AI health conversations as a mediator for behavior change related to health issues.

April 1, 2026

Can AI Health Conversations Serve as a New Mediator of Health Behavior Change?

Key Points

Examine the role of AI health conversations as a mediator for behavior change related to health issues.
Analyzed the prevalence of AI chatbot consultations among adults in the US and Korea.
Reviewed systematic studies on AI's impact on physical activity and smoking cessation.
Connected findings to behavioral theories like the transtheoretical model and health belief model.
17% of US adults consult AI chatbots for health monthly, rising to 25% for those under 30.
In Korea, generative AI use increased to 33.3% in 2024.
The 'information-to-action question shift' is proposed as a key mechanism for facilitating behavior change.

Abstract

Health conversations with artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots are rapidly increasing; 17% of US adults consult AI chatbots about health monthly, and the figure reaches 25% among those under 30. In Korea, generative AI use reached 33.3% in 2024, nearly doubling from the previous year. Yet academic discourse has largely focused on information accuracy and patient safety. I propose reframing AI health conversations as a potential mediator of health behavior change. Drawing on systematic reviews showing that AI chatbots can support physical activity and smoking cessation, I connect these findings to the transtheoretical model processes of change and the health belief model construct of self-efficacy. I describe the “information-to-action question shift” as a mechanism that may drive the transition from contemplation to action, and discuss intersections with Korea’s Fifth National Health Plan (HP2030) health literacy goals.

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