More than a quarter of Gen Z users engage with artificial intelligence as though they were talking to a friend, turning to the technology for emotional support and help with personal issues, according to a recent global study released Tuesday.
The study, conducted by cybersecurity company Kaspersky, included 7,200 participants and showed that Generation Z uses AI much more actively compared with other generations.
The study revealed that 27% of respondents use the technology like a friend, and 28% consult AI about personal issues they hesitate to share with other people, marking a shift from viewing AI as a simple task-oriented tool to a source of emotional support and companionship.
Almost half of the participants, 47%, reported using AI every day or at regular intervals, marking the highest level among all demographic groups.
Young people use AI for various purposes, with 56% searching for information, 49% studying, 47% generating ideas and 39% using it for work.
Despite their high activity and self-confidence in the digital world, many participants underestimated the risks associated with AI.
Only 42% of Gen Z users regularly practice protective security measures, such as verifying information from reliable sources and avoiding the sharing of confidential data. Meanwhile, 52% take precautions only occasionally, and 6% use no security measures at all.
Experts warned that as interactions become more personal, users must remember that information entered into AI tools should be considered non-confidential data by default, as these systems can produce incorrect answers and expose sensitive data, Kaspersky said.
Vladislav Tushkanov, group manager at Kaspersky's AI Technology Research Center, said Gen Z understands evolving AI trends much better than other generations and finds new ways to integrate this technology into daily life.
Tushkanov noted that a personal-feeling interaction should not be confused with a private or completely reliable conversation, urging young users to support their curiosity with habits like verifying information and protecting personal data.