More than a quarter of Generation Z users interact with artificial intelligence as they would with a friend, including seeking advice on personal matters they may be reluctant to discuss with other people, according to a new global study.
The survey, conducted by cybersecurity company Kaspersky among 7,200 participants, found that Gen Z engages with AI more actively than other generations.
Around 27% of Gen Z respondents said they use AI like a friend, suggesting that conversational AI is increasingly being used for companionship and emotional support rather than solely as a tool for completing practical tasks.
The findings also showed that 28% consult AI about personal issues they hesitate to discuss with other people, reflecting the ease with which conversational systems have become integrated into younger users’ digital lives.
Overall, 47% of Gen Z respondents said they use AI either daily or regularly, the highest proportion among the demographic groups surveyed.
Information seeking was the most common use, reported by 56% of respondents, followed by studying at 49%, generating ideas at 47% and work-related activities at 39%.
However, the study also highlighted potential privacy and security concerns associated with this growing reliance on AI.
Only 42% of Gen Z users said they regularly take protective measures, such as checking AI-generated information against reliable sources and avoiding disclosure of confidential information.
Another 52% said they take such precautions only occasionally, while 6% reported taking no security measures at all.
The findings suggest that while Gen Z has rapidly incorporated AI into both its practical and personal life, awareness of the potential risks has not necessarily developed at the same pace.