New Phoenix Poll Reveals How Canadians Are Using Google and AI to Shape Personal Care Goals in 2026
As Canadians prepare to ring in the new year, a growing number are rethinking not only their health and wellness priorities, but also where they turn for guidance on how to achieve them. New national polling data released today by Phoenix, a leading Canadian digital health clinic, offers a revealing look at how adults across the country are setting personal care goals for 2026—and how technology, from search engines to artificial intelligence, is reshaping the way they seek health information and treatment recommendations.
The survey, conducted among more than 1,500 adult Canadians, was designed to capture a snapshot of Canadians’ health and wellness intentions as New Year’s resolutions approach. The findings highlight weight loss as the dominant priority for 2026, while also pointing to rising interest in anti-aging solutions and hair loss treatments. At the same time, the data reveals a growing reliance on “Dr. Google” and moderate but increasing trust in AI-powered tools to support health and wellness decision-making.
Weight Loss Tops the List of Personal Care Priorities
According to the poll, 68% of Canadians say weight loss is a top personal care goal for 2026, making it the most common resolution nationwide. Other priorities follow at a distance: 39% aim to reverse signs of aging, while 26% hope to reduce or reverse hair thinning or balding in the coming year.
Concerns about hair loss vary significantly by gender. Nearly one in three women (32%) say addressing hair thinning or balding is a priority, compared with only one in five men (20%). These findings suggest that while hair loss is often framed as a men’s health issue, it is increasingly top of mind for women as well.
Taken together, the results reflect a broader shift toward preventive and appearance-related health goals—areas where Canadians may not always feel the need to seek immediate in-person medical care, but still want reliable information and guidance.
Canadians Increasingly Turn to “Dr. Google”
When it comes to achieving their personal care goals, many Canadians plan to start their journey online. The survey found that roughly one in four Canadians will turn to a search engine as their first source of information for key personal care concerns:
- 25% for reversing hair loss or balding
- 27% for reversing signs of aging
- 24% for weight loss advice
In comparison, a similar proportion—25%—say they would book an in-person doctor’s appointment for weight loss advice. However, far fewer would do so for other concerns: 18% would see a doctor first for hair loss, and just 14% for anti-aging guidance.
These figures underscore a growing tendency to view certain health and wellness goals as something that can be researched independently, rather than issues that warrant a traditional clinic visit.
Generational differences further shape where Canadians look for information. Gen Z stands out as the most likely generation to turn to social media first, with:
- 12% using social platforms for weight loss and anti-aging advice
- 11% seeking hair loss information through social media
This reliance on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube highlights both the accessibility—and the potential risks—of consuming health content in spaces where credibility and medical oversight can vary widely.
The Growing Role of AI in Health and Wellness Support
Despite the rapid rise of artificial intelligence in everyday life, relatively few Canadians currently rely on AI as their first source of information for personal care goals. Only 9% say they would turn to AI first for guidance in 2026.
That said, trust in AI increases significantly when it comes to specific recommendations and tactical support, particularly for weight loss. The survey reveals that Canadians are more comfortable using AI as a tool to support decision-making rather than to replace professional advice altogether.
When asked about AI-generated recommendations:
- 37% trust AI to recommend overall weight loss strategies
- 24% trust AI with recommending anti-aging treatments
- 19% trust AI with recommending hair loss treatments
Trust is even higher for practical, numbers-driven tasks related to weight loss:
- 44% trust AI to calculate daily calorie intake
- 41% trust AI to create a meal plan
- 39% trust AI to design a fitness plan
These findings suggest that Canadians see AI as particularly useful for structured, goal-oriented tasks—areas where personalization, automation, and data analysis can offer real value.
Convenience Versus Credibility: The Safety Trade-Off
While online tools provide speed and convenience, Phoenix’s medical leadership cautions that relying solely on search engines, social media, or AI can come with risks.
“While online sources like search engines, social media, and AI provide quick and easy access to information, they can also put patients’ safety at risk,” says Dr. Mark Broussenko, Medical Director at Phoenix. “Unlike a doctor, these sources lack accountability, credibility, and transparency.”
Dr. Broussenko emphasizes that platforms like Google or AI chatbots generate answers based on the questions users ask—but may not address underlying health factors or risks.
“A doctor knows the right questions to ask to ensure the guidance you receive is accurate, relevant, and truly tailored to you,” he adds. “This is where telehealth offers an important middle ground—platforms like Phoenix provide a quick and safe way to access personalized advice from a trusted medical professional.”
Women’s Health Takes Center Stage in 2026
The survey also highlights notable gender differences in health priorities and information-seeking behavior. Across all major categories, women are more likely than men to prioritize personal care goals in 2026:
- 70% of women vs. 65% of men prioritize weight loss
- 47% of women vs. 31% of men prioritize reversing signs of aging
- 32% of women vs. 20% of men prioritize addressing hair thinning or balding
Women are also more influenced by social media when researching health goals. Sixteen per cent of women say they turn to social platforms first for information, compared with 9% of men.
In response to these trends, Phoenix recently launched Raven, a new Canadian digital health platform dedicated specifically to women’s health. Raven is designed to expand access to trusted medical care that reflects women’s unique health needs, schedules, and lifestyles.
Why Doctors Aren’t the First Stop for Many Canadians
Despite recognizing the value of professional medical guidance, many Canadians hesitate to book in-person appointments for personal care goals. The survey identifies two main barriers.
First, 38% of Canadians say they don’t view their health or wellness goals as a strong enough reason to see a doctor. Second, 27% cite long wait times as a deterrent.
These attitudes vary by generation. Older Canadians are more likely to feel their goals don’t justify an appointment, while younger Canadians are more frustrated by delays in accessing care:
- Baby Boomers: 42% don’t see goals as appointment-worthy
- Gen X: 36%
- Millennials: 38%
- Gen Z: 35%
When it comes to wait times, concern is highest among Gen Z (34%), followed by Millennials (28%), Gen X (27%), and Baby Boomers (22%).
Telehealth as a Bridge Between Tech and Care
Phoenix’s leadership believes these findings point to a growing need for accessible, medically guided digital care.
“The start of a new year is a great time to prioritize health and wellness concerns that you haven’t had the time to address,” says Gavin Thompson, co-CEO and co-founder of Phoenix. “But the best way to do that is by talking to a doctor who can provide credible information and a personalized plan.”
“With Phoenix—and now Raven—we’re removing barriers like appointment backlogs and clinic wait times that often stand between Canadians and responsive healthcare,” adds Kevin Bache, co-CEO and co-founder.
A Digital Future, With Human Oversight
As Phoenix Canadians head into 2026, the message from Phoenix’s data is clear: search engines and AI are becoming integral to how people approach health and personal care—but they are not replacements for medical expertise. Instead, the future of care lies in blending the convenience of technology with the credibility and accountability of licensed healthcare professionals.
In a landscape where “Dr. Google” is often the first stop, platforms that combine digital access with real medical oversight may play an increasingly vital role in helping Canadians turn resolutions into sustainable, safe outcomes.
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