Artificial intelligence is taking on a more intimate role in people’s lives during the holiday season, shifting from a practical planning tool to what researchers describe as a digital companion, according to new global research by cybersecurity firm Kaspersky.
A survey conducted in November 2025 shows that AI use during the 2025 and 2026 holiday period is set to be widespread, with 74 percent of respondents saying they plan to rely on AI powered tools during the festive season. Adoption is strongest among younger users, with 86 percent of those aged 18 to 34 indicating they will use artificial intelligence to support holiday activities.
The research highlights AI’s growing importance in everyday decision making. More than half of users said they plan to use AI to search for recipes, restaurants or accommodation, while around 50 percent intend to rely on it for brainstorming gift ideas, festive decorations and ways to spend their free time. Half of respondents also see AI as a shopping assistant, capable of creating shopping lists, comparing deals and analysing reviews.
This growing reliance reflects how modern AI tools are able to tailor recommendations to individual preferences and budgets with minimal effort. However, Kaspersky warns that this convenience comes with new risks, particularly around the reliability of information generated by chatbots and the potential exposure to malicious links and phishing attempts.
The study also points to a deeper shift in behaviour. Nearly three in ten respondents who use AI during the holidays said they would consider talking to an AI tool when they feel unhappy, signalling a rise in emotional reliance on technology. This trend is most pronounced among Gen Z and millennials, who show the highest interest in AI powered emotional support.
“As large language models rapidly evolve, their ability to engage in meaningful dialogue with users grows as well,” said Vladislav Tushkanov, Group Manager at Kaspersky AI Technology Research Center. “However, they learn from vast amounts of online data, which means they can reproduce errors and biases. Users should approach AI suggestions with scepticism and avoid oversharing personal information.”
Kaspersky notes that while interactions with AI tools may feel private, most chatbots are operated by commercial companies with their own data collection and processing policies. The firm advises users to review privacy policies carefully, limit the sharing of sensitive or identifying information, and rely on AI services from established providers with strong security records.
The survey was conducted among 3,000 respondents across 15 countries, including the UK, Germany, China, India and South Africa, underscoring the global nature of the trend. As AI continues to embed itself into holiday routines and emotional wellbeing, cybersecurity experts warn that trust in these tools must be balanced with greater awareness of data privacy and digital risk.
