Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab has warned young adults about the dangers of blindly trusting artificial intelligence after a global survey revealed that one in four members of Generation Z considers AI to be a friend.
The research, conducted by the Moscow-headquartered security company, found that 47 percent of respondents aged 18 to 28 across the world interact with artificial intelligence every day or almost every day.
Among those frequent users in the Gen Z demographic, 56 percent rely on artificial intelligence to search for information, 49 percent use it for academic studies, 47 percent employ it to generate ideas, and 39 percent use it for work tasks.
The survey highlighted a growing emotional reliance on digital assistants, with 27 percent of Gen Z respondents saying they talk to artificial intelligence as a friend. Additionally, 28 percent admitted to discussing personal issues with AI services that they would prefer not to share with other people.
That level of personal disclosure drops significantly among older demographics. According to Kaspersky Lab, 22 percent of millennials, 17 percent of Generation X respondents, and 11 percent of baby boomers report engaging with artificial intelligence in a similar manner.
Security habits and vulnerabilities
Despite their heavy engagement with neural networks and chatbots, young users often neglect basic online security precautions. Only 42 percent of Gen Z respondents reported that they always take protective measures, such as cross-checking information against other sources and withholding confidential personal data. A further 52 percent said they take safety steps only occasionally, while 6 percent said they never take security precautions when using artificial intelligence tools.
Vladislav Tushkanov, head of the machine learning technology research group at Kaspersky Lab, warned that users of all ages must avoid placing complete trust in artificial intelligence platforms. He noted that even major AI services can contain technical vulnerabilities capable of triggering widespread data leaks.
Tushkanov added that users must actively develop safe digital habits when operating AI tools. He stressed the necessity of verifying information, exercising caution with sensitive details, and evaluating machine-generated answers with critical scrutiny.
Kaspersky recommendations for safe AI use
Kaspersky Lab analysts advised users never to upload confidential information into artificial intelligence services. That warning specifically covers personal documents, private correspondence, login passwords, banking and payment details, and medical or health records.
Before testing a new neural network or chatbot, analysts recommended investigating what data the service collects, as well as how that information is stored and processed. The company also urged individuals to double-check artificial intelligence outputs against reliable third-party sources, particularly when handling complex topics or sensitive subjects.
Kaspersky Lab is an international cybersecurity and antivirus provider that routinely conducts research into digital safety, consumer habits, and emerging tech threats. Generation Z, generally defined as individuals born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, represents the first demographic group to grow up with widespread access to high-speed internet and mobile technologies.
