Rutgers Study Finds One-Third of Young Adults Use AI for Substance Use

Rutgers Health researchers found that more than one-third of young adults surveyed use generative artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT to seek information about substance use. The study, published in JMIR Formative Research and based on survey data from nearly 1,000 participants, examined how people ages 18 to 29 use AI chatbots for drug-related inquiries and how they perceive the results they receive. The research identified that about 1 in 3 respondents used AI for substance-related information, most often to learn about risks and consequences. Approximately half of those users reported turning to AI at least monthly. Researchers noted that the findings are concerning because generative AI tools can reproduce misinformation, potentially influencing risky substance-use behavior among young adults, a group especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of substance use. Study co-authors said the results highlight both the growing role of AI in health information-seeking and existing disparities in how different groups use these technologies. Black and male participants were more likely than others to use AI for substance-related purposes. Lead author Mireia Triguero Roura suggested this pattern may reflect differences in health care access, stigma, trust, and health information-seeking behaviors. The study also found that young adults generally rated AI tools highly for trustworthiness, reliability, and helpfulness. The researchers urged further study into how young adults interpret AI-generated substance-use information and what consequences this emerging information source may have for public health.