A new survey from Aflac reveals that 76% of Gen Z and 63% of millennials turn to artificial intelligence for health support before considering a doctor's appointment. The fourth annual Wellness Matters survey highlights a growing disconnect: younger Americans feel confident about their health yet are actively avoiding routine medical care.
The survey found that 18% of Gen Z and 14% of millennials said they will only schedule a doctor's appointment after they have exhausted AI tools or online searches. That number drops to 3% for Gen X and 2% for baby boomers.
Younger generations skip checkups at high rates
Nearly two-thirds of Gen Z (65%) and millennials (61%) admitted to delaying or skipping routine checkups and screenings, significantly higher than Gen X (47%) and baby boomers (33%). More than a third of Gen Z (35%) said they skipped appointments because they felt healthy.
Matthew Owenby, Aflac's chief human resources officer and chief administrative officer, said the trend is alarming. "Young Americans are replacing in-person preventive care with the convenience and speed of digital health support," he said. "What is alarming is the rate that Gen Z is delaying or forgoing preventive care, greatly lessening the opportunity for early detection or a critical health diagnosis from a medical professional."
Where young Americans get health information
The survey shows a stark shift in information sources. Only 22% of Gen Z and 31% of millennials said they consult doctors or nurses for health management. In contrast, 45% of Gen Z and 54% of millennials turn to online search engines, while 32% of Gen Z and 34% of millennials rely on social media.
Trust is migrating as well. About 23% of Gen Z and 17% of millennials said they trust health influencers, compared with 4% of Gen X and 1% of baby boomers. Nearly a third of Gen Z (28%) and 20% of millennials trust social media for health information, versus 6% of Gen X and 4% of baby boomers.
Barriers to care and spending on wellness
Logistics and cost remain the primary hurdles. More than half of Gen Z (51%) and 48% of millennials said scheduling difficulties and time off work prevent them from booking preventive care. Worry about healthcare costs is nearly universal, affecting 42% of Gen Z and 47% of millennials frequently.
Despite avoiding traditional doctors, these groups invest heavily in self-care. Gen Z (43%) and millennials (39%) are far more likely to spend at least $100 per month on vitamins, supplements, organic foods, and therapy than older generations. They are also much more likely to have a mental health therapist (25% Gen Z, 29% millennials) than a primary care doctor (48% Gen Z, 58% millennials).
Why this matters for healthcare professionals
These trends present a direct challenge to healthcare organizations. A significant share of the adult population is bypassing the traditional care pipeline, relying instead on unverified digital sources. For clinicians and health systems, this means patients may arrive at appointments already acting on advice from AI tools or influencers, often without a baseline physical exam or established history.
The data also suggests an opportunity. Younger patients want health support, but on their terms. Courses focused on AI for Healthcare can help professionals understand what their patients are encountering online and how to guide them back toward evidence-based care. Understanding the tools patients use is becoming a clinical necessity.
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