While health and human service organizations have been slow to adopt technology for consumer-facing administrative or clinical uses, consumers aren’t waiting. About 3 in 10 U.S. adults reported using a self-guided online or digital tool for health and well-being, including nearly half of those aged 18 to 44, according to a new survey report – Survey Shows Widespread Use Of Apps & Chatbots For Mental Health Support. Of these adults, 60% report using a mental health-specific app and nearly 50% report using a general chatbot. 

There were some demographic differences in utilization. Urban adults reported 38% use of these digital tools. Utilization was 24% and 28% in suburban and rural areas, respectively. The authors attribute this difference to “greater challenges in broadband access and cost” in…