Generation Z is more active than other age groups in using artificial intelligence: 47% of Gen Z representatives turn to AI daily or almost daily. Meanwhile, 27% already use AI as a friend, and 28% discuss personal issues with it that they would not want to share with other people. These are the results of a new study* by Kaspersky Lab, conducted among 7,200 respondents from 18 countries.
For Generation Z, AI has already become part of everyday life. Most often, young users turn to AI for information search (56%), studies (49%), idea generation (47%), and work (39%).
At the same time, AI is gradually becoming not only a tool but also a conversational partner. This can create additional risks: a user may perceive the neural network as a trusted interlocutor and share a large amount of personal information with it. However, AI can make mistakes, provide inaccurate answers, and the data entered by the user may contain sensitive information.
Despite active use of technology, only 42% of Gen Z representatives regularly apply precautionary measures when working with AI services—for example, checking the information received and avoiding the transfer of confidential data. Another 52% do this only from time to time, and 6% do not use such measures at all.
"It is natural that young users begin to perceive artificial intelligence not only as a tool but also as an interlocutor: modern models are capable of maintaining a long and personalized dialogue. However, it is precisely the feeling of trusting communication that can lead to a person sharing information with AI that they would not publish on the internet. It is important to remember that regardless of how natural and personal the dialogue with AI looks, it should not be perceived as a completely confidential conversation. Passwords, bank card data, documents, personal correspondence, and other sensitive information should not be transferred to AI services. In addition, any important information obtained from a neural network must be verified against reliable sources," notes Mushvig Mammadov, official representative of Kaspersky Lab in Azerbaijan.
Kaspersky Lab recommends that users:
- do not transfer passwords, bank card data, documents, personal correspondence, and other confidential information to AI services;
- verify important information obtained from the neural network against reliable sources, especially when it concerns health, finances, studies, or legal matters;
- critically evaluate AI responses—the confident tone of the neural network does not guarantee the reliability of information;
- be careful with links and third-party AI services, as attackers can create fake platforms to steal data;
- use unique complex passwords and multi-factor authentication for important accounts.
As artificial intelligence becomes part of studies, work, communication, and everyday life, the skills of its safe use are becoming as important a part of digital literacy as protecting accounts and personal data.
