A recent Kaspersky survey highlights a growing shift in how people use artificial intelligence during the holiday season, revealing that nearly 30% of AI users globally—and 31% in Malaysia—turn to AI chatbots as a virtual companion when they feel low, particularly among Gen Z and millennials.
Conducted in November 2025 across 15 countries, the study found that AI usage during the 2025/2026 holidays is widespread, with 74% of respondents planning to use AI for activities such as finding recipes, searching for restaurants and accommodation, brainstorming gift ideas, shopping assistance, and budget planning, with even higher adoption rates among those aged 18–34.
While AI’s role has expanded beyond productivity into emotional support, Kaspersky experts caution users against oversharing personal information, warning that excessive trust in AI may expose individuals to data privacy and cybersecurity risks, and recommend using reputable AI services alongside security solutions with AI-powered phishing protection.
