Patients are increasingly making sensitive health information available to AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude and DeepSeek, which are used by millions to describe symptoms and seek health advice. Research since the 1960s has found that patients are more open to reporting information to non-human interfaces than directly to clinicians. Studies in areas such as alcohol and tobacco use, suicidal ideation, intimate partner violence, and sexual behavior have consistently shown that paper or online questionnaires elicit more honest responses than direct communication with physicians. However, many doctors still assume that their empathic presence is irreplaceable and that sensitive information should only be revealed in clinical practice. Given the increasing tendency of patients to share information with AI tools, doctors must adapt to this reality. Secure online portals and digital formats can increase patient honesty in reporting health problems.