Gen Z treats AI as friend, not just tool, survey finds

Young adults in their teens and twenties are pioneering a more intimate engagement with AI systems, according to recent findings from the region. Nearly a third of Gen Z respondents across Asia-Pacific reported using AI as a friend, reflecting a fundamental shift in how the youngest generation perceives and interacts with emerging technologies.

This contrasts sharply with how older generations approach artificial intelligence, where the technology is predominantly viewed as a functional tool for productivity and problem-solving. The difference underscores generational attitudes shaped by digital nativity—Gen Z's exposure to advanced technology from childhood has fostered a more intuitive and emotionally engaged relationship with AI systems.

The findings suggest that as AI becomes increasingly sophisticated and accessible, younger users are comfortable exploring social and companionship dimensions of the technology beyond its practical applications. This trend raises important considerations for technology developers, policymakers, and parents regarding healthy engagement with AI systems and the social implications of treating algorithms as friends.

The survey captures a moment of significant technological and cultural transition, where artificial intelligence is transitioning from a specialised business tool to a ubiquitous presence in daily life, particularly among younger demographics across South and Southeast Asia.