A Kaspersky study reveals that one in five users in Latin America turns to artificial intelligence for comfort, a practice that exposes sensitive data. The phenomenon, gaining relevance on dates like Blue Monday, poses serious challenges to personal data privacy. Blue Monday, considered the saddest day of the year due to factors like weather and post-holiday debts, drives people to seek environments where they feel heard without judgment. Many users perceive chatbots as safe spaces due to their immediate availability, fostering excessive trust that can lead to sharing intimate information without measuring the consequences. The research highlights that young people lead this digital transition. 35% of Generation Z and Millennials use AI to manage their emotional distress, a figure significantly higher than the 19% recorded in people aged 55 or older. This change reflects how new generations integrate digital platforms into their mental health, often without realizing that these tools belong to commercial companies with data analysis policies. María Isabel Manjarrez, a Kaspersky security researcher, warns that careless interaction can expose users to conversation leaks or contact with fake bots designed for identity theft or extortion. The expert emphasizes that the information provided by AI under no circumstances replaces specialized professional support. For those who decide to interact with these tools, experts suggest four fundamental measures of digital self-care: Reviewing policies, restricting sensitive data, verifying information, and using official platforms.
