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A recent Kaspersky study found that many Generation Z youths in the Asia Pacific region, including Malaysia, turn to AI as a personal companion
The study by the global cybersecurity company revealed that 50% of Generation Z across the region also consider AI an essential part of their daily routine.
In fact, these digital natives are the most active AI users of any generation in the region.
While 57% of young users rely on AI to search for information, 54% use it to complete tasks or projects
Meanwhile, 50% are turning to these tools for fresh ideas for their social media content.
However, the most fascinating takeaway is that 32% of Gen Z youths now treat AI as a personal companion because it never judges or criticises them.
This phenomenon is highly visible across Southeast Asia, with 33% of Malaysian youths viewing AI as a confidant
Indonesia leads the pack at 39%, followed by Vietnam at 35%, Thailand at 34%, and India at 32%.
Young people are increasingly using these platforms to vent about deeply personal issues that they struggle to share with real humans, treating the technology as an emotional outlet.
Despite this deep emotional reliance, safety awareness remains dangerously low among users, Kaspersky warned
Less than 50% of these youths take active steps to protect themselves online, leaving them vulnerable to misinformation and severe data leaks.
Conducted in March 2026, the study surveyed 7,200 respondents from 18 countries, showing that while AI is incredibly smart, we still need to cross-check facts and carefully read those privacy policies.
