How Does Generative AI Reshape Chinese Patients’ Perceptions of Medical Authority?

Xue Yuan, Qiqi Jin, Yulong Tang and Jinghong Xu
Additional contact information
Xue Yuan: School of Journalism and Communication, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, China
Qiqi Jin: School of Journalism and Communication, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, China
Yulong Tang: School of Journalism and Communication, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, China
Jinghong Xu: School of Journalism and Communication, Beijing Normal University, China / International College, Krirk University, Thailand

Media and Communication, 2026, vol. 14

Abstract: Employing a sequential mixed-methods design combining survey ( N = 607), interviews ( N = 30), and digital ethnography, the study traces pathways from technology adoption to clinical interaction and introduces the concept of “algorithm-mediated negotiated authority.” Findings indicate that trust in generative AI arises from both perceived technical capability and socially conferred legitimacy, mediated by cognitive load. Health literacy and technology anxiety moderate this process, resulting in unequal empowerment. Authority is dynamically co-constructed as patients strategically introduce AI advice and physicians respond with explanatory, reassertive, or reserved strategies. Theoretically, the study bridges macro-level power critique with micro-behavioral analysis, advancing the “medical gaze” into a “negotiated gaze.” It extends technology acceptance models by emphasizing legitimacy construction and cognitive internalization, framing generative AI as a reconstructive force that reshapes clinical communication.

Keywords: algorithmic mediation; doctor–patient communication; generative AI; health communication; medical authority; technology acceptance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.cogitatiopress.com/mediaandcommunication/article/view/11485 (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:cog:meanco:v14:y:2026:a:11485

DOI: 10.17645/mac.11485

Access Statistics for this article

Media and Communication is currently edited by Raquel Silva

More articles in Media and Communication from Cogitatio Press
Bibliographic data for series maintained by António Vieira () and IT Department ().