Kaspersky Study: Gen Z Treats AI as a Friend and Source of Emotional Support

Russian cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has released its latest global study highlighting a shift in human interaction with technology. The research shows that more than a quarter of Generation Z (Gen Z) now interact with artificial intelligence (AI) as if communicating with a friend.

Based on the study released on Tuesday (18/8), AI technology is being used by young people to obtain emotional support and resolve personal matters. The survey, which involved 7,200 respondents, confirms that Gen Z is the most active demographic group in using AI compared to other generations.

Survey data shows that 27 percent of Gen Z respondents use AI as a friend. This marks a paradigm shift towards AI, which was previously viewed only as a task-oriented tool and is now becoming a source of companionship.

Furthermore, 28 percent of Gen Z admitted to being willing to consult AI about personal problems they are reluctant to share with others. The integration of AI conversational systems into their digital habits is evident from usage intensity, with 47 percent of respondents using AI daily or regularly.

Behind the high confidence in using technology, the Kaspersky study found a worrying security gap. Many young users underestimate privacy risks when interacting with AI.

Only 42 percent of Gen Z users routinely apply security measures, such as verifying information from trusted sources and avoiding sharing confidential data. Meanwhile, 52 percent only occasionally take precautions, and the remaining 6 percent do not apply any security measures at all.

Kaspersky reminds that personal interactions with AI should not be equated with safe private conversations. Information entered into AI systems should be considered non-confidential data by default due to the risk of sensitive data leakage or inaccurate answers.

Kaspersky’s AI Technology Research Centre Group Manager, Vladislav Tushkanov, explained that Gen Z indeed has a better understanding of AI trends and is able to integrate them into daily life innovatively.

However, Tushkanov stressed the importance of maintaining boundaries. He encouraged young users to remain critical by verifying information and being disciplined in protecting personal data amid their high curiosity about future technology.