Kaspersky study finds Gen Z increasingly views AI as a companion

A study by Kaspersky reveals that Generation Z is increasingly integrating artificial intelligence into their daily lives, often viewing the technology as a companion rather than just a functional tool. In the Asia Pacific region, approximately 50% of Gen Z users interact with AI on a daily or near-daily basis. Notably, about one-third of this demographic treats AI as a friend, a trend that surpasses older generations.

Research indicates that Gen Z utilizes AI for various purposes, including information searches, educational tasks, and creative idea generation. A significant portion of young users also rely on AI for personal matters; roughly 28% to 34% of Gen Z respondents admit to discussing personal topics with AI that they would otherwise hesitate to share with other people. This emotional reliance is much lower among Millennials, Generation X, and Baby Boomers.

Despite high engagement, Kaspersky warns of potential security risks. Many young users may not fully grasp the dangers of blind trust in AI, as the technology can provide inaccurate or inappropriate responses. The study found that only 42% of Gen Z respondents consistently take protective measures, such as cross-checking information or withholding confidential data, while a majority take safety precautions only occasionally.