Young Swedes turn to AI for support without risk awareness
A new report shows that over half of young Swedes confide personal problems to AI, yet many lack an understanding of how their sensitive data is handled.
What happened?
A study conducted by Ipsos-BVA on behalf of the French data protection authority CNIL and insurance company Groupe VYV reveals that 54% of young Swedes use AI to discuss personal and intimate issues. The survey, conducted in early 2026, covered a total of 3,800 young people aged 11-25 from Sweden, France, Germany, and Ireland, including 1,000 from Sweden. Results show that 87% of Swedish participants use AI tools for various purposes.
Key facts
”Mer än hälften av de unga svenskarna, 54 procent, vänder sig till ai för att diskutera personliga och intima problem.”
”För många unga svenskar har generativ AI blivit en personlig livscoach och förtrolig samtalspartner för intima problem.”
”Hela 87 procent uppger att de använder ai-verktyg.”
Why it matters
The widespread use of AI for personal matters among youth, combined with low awareness of data processing, highlights a significant risk to privacy and data security. AI is seen as an accessible conversational partner, particularly among those with anxiety, but the consequences of sharing sensitive information with these tools are often unclear to users.
Who is affected?
Young users aged 11-25 are directly affected, especially those seeking emotional support from AI. Developers of AI models and platforms are also impacted, as they face demands to inform users about risks and handle sensitive data responsibly.
Impact on the EU
The report, initiated by a French data protection authority, indicates that the usage and risks are relevant across the EU. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) governs how personal data may be processed, including information shared with AI tools within the EU and EEA.
What else you should know
The study underscores the need for increased awareness and education regarding AI data protection aspects, particularly among younger generations who are growing up with the technology as an integrated part of daily life.
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