Beyond Search: How AI Is Becoming an Everyday Adviser in Central Asia
Artificial intelligence is moving beyond professional and educational applications. People increasingly turn to AI for everyday decisions, from choosing products and managing household problems to seeking advice about health, finances and personal relationships.
But how deeply has AI become integrated into daily life? And do consumers in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan use it in the same way?
DATACTION surveyed 1,826 regular AI users aged 18–60 across the three countries to explore how often they use AI, what questions they ask and how AI fits into their decision-making.
The findings show that AI is becoming a frequent source of practical advice, with Uzbekistan demonstrating particularly intensive usage across several areas of everyday life.
Frequency of AI use, % of respondents
1. AI is already part of the weekly routine
Among surveyed AI users, 81% in Uzbekistan use AI at least several times a week, compared with 78% in Kazakhstan and 76% in Kyrgyzstan
Daily usage is also particularly prominent in Uzbekistan: 53% use AI every day or several times a day, compared with 47% in Kazakhstan and 45% in Kyrgyzstan
These results suggest that AI has become a regular part of respondents' routines rather than an occasional experiment
Daily usage is also particularly prominent in Uzbekistan: 53% use AI every day or several times a day, compared with 47% in Kazakhstan and 45% in Kyrgyzstan
These results suggest that AI has become a regular part of respondents' routines rather than an occasional experiment
20%
—
40%
60%
80%
100%
total
kazakhstan
kyrgyzstan
uzbekistan
Several time a month
Several times a week
Several times a day
Every day
—
30%
60%
50%
40%
10%
20%
AI is frequently used for much more than generating text or completing work assignments
2. AI is becoming a practical adviser for everyday problems
Technical and household questions are among the most frequent reasons for turning to AI. In Uzbekistan, 59% use it for these purposes several times a month or more, compared with 53% in Kyrgyzstan and 48% in Kazakhstan
Education and self-learning are another important application, particularly in Uzbekistan (57%) and Kyrgyzstan (54%)
AI also plays a growing role in consumer decisions. More than half of surveyed users in Uzbekistan (53%) consult AI about purchases and product choices at least several times a month, compared with 44% in both Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
The findings suggest that AI is becoming an additional source of information at multiple stages of the consumer decision-making process
Education and self-learning are another important application, particularly in Uzbekistan (57%) and Kyrgyzstan (54%)
AI also plays a growing role in consumer decisions. More than half of surveyed users in Uzbekistan (53%) consult AI about purchases and product choices at least several times a month, compared with 44% in both Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
The findings suggest that AI is becoming an additional source of information at multiple stages of the consumer decision-making process
57%
54%
52%
51%
49%
25%
24%
48%
47%
46%
40%
39%
34%
32%
26%
One of the most revealing findings is how people are beginning to use AI as a conversational partner, rather than simply an information tool.
3. AI is becoming a first point of contact — even for personal questions
Respondents who agree that some personal questions are easier to ask AI than another person.
More than half of surveyed AI users in each country find it easier to discuss certain personal matters with AI than with other people.
AI's availability is an important attraction: 43% in Kazakhstan, 46% in Kyrgyzstan and 45% in Uzbekistan say they value being able to turn to AI whenever they need it.
At the same time, 29% in Kazakhstan, 30% in Kyrgyzstan and 33% in Uzbekistan agree that they have started consulting other people less often since AI became available.
This does not mean AI is replacing human relationships. Rather, the findings suggest that AI is becoming an additional, readily accessible source of advice, including on subjects users may hesitate to discuss with others.
More than half of surveyed AI users in each country find it easier to discuss certain personal matters with AI than with other people.
AI's availability is an important attraction: 43% in Kazakhstan, 46% in Kyrgyzstan and 45% in Uzbekistan say they value being able to turn to AI whenever they need it.
At the same time, 29% in Kazakhstan, 30% in Kyrgyzstan and 33% in Uzbekistan agree that they have started consulting other people less often since AI became available.
This does not mean AI is replacing human relationships. Rather, the findings suggest that AI is becoming an additional, readily accessible source of advice, including on subjects users may hesitate to discuss with others.
58%
Uzbekistan
56%
Kazakhstan
58%
Kyrgyzstan
Across all three markets, rapid responses are a major reason for using AI
4. Speed and convenience are central to AI's appeal
Respondents who cite fast answers as a reason they enjoy interacting with AI
AI is also valued for making complicated subjects easier to understand. In all three countries, 50% say it helps explain complex information in simpler terms
Another frequently mentioned benefit is generating ideas or possible solutions: 56% in Kazakhstan, 53% in Kyrgyzstan and 54% in Uzbekistan
For digital businesses, these findings point to an increasingly important consumer expectation: information should be available quickly, presented clearly and tailored to the question being asked
AI is also valued for making complicated subjects easier to understand. In all three countries, 50% say it helps explain complex information in simpler terms
Another frequently mentioned benefit is generating ideas or possible solutions: 56% in Kazakhstan, 53% in Kyrgyzstan and 54% in Uzbekistan
For digital businesses, these findings point to an increasingly important consumer expectation: information should be available quickly, presented clearly and tailored to the question being asked
68%
Uzbekistan
66%
Kyrgyzstan
69%
Kazakhstan
5. Trust in AI depends on the subject
Consumers do not trust AI equally across every area of life.
For education and self-learning, 62% of relevant respondents in Kazakhstan express high levels of trust in AI recommendations, compared with 59% in Kyrgyzstan and 57% in Uzbekistan.
For shopping and product choices, the corresponding figures are 54%, 50% and 57%.
Trust in AI for financial planning is more restrained: 49% in Kazakhstan, 43% in Kyrgyzstan and 50% in Uzbekistan express high trust.
These findings indicate that consumers distinguish between different types of AI-generated advice. Trust earned in one context does not automatically transfer to another, particularly where decisions may have financial or personal consequences.
For education and self-learning, 62% of relevant respondents in Kazakhstan express high levels of trust in AI recommendations, compared with 59% in Kyrgyzstan and 57% in Uzbekistan.
For shopping and product choices, the corresponding figures are 54%, 50% and 57%.
Trust in AI for financial planning is more restrained: 49% in Kazakhstan, 43% in Kyrgyzstan and 50% in Uzbekistan express high trust.
These findings indicate that consumers distinguish between different types of AI-generated advice. Trust earned in one context does not automatically transfer to another, particularly where decisions may have financial or personal consequences.
6. What this means for businesses
The findings have several implications for brands, retailers, financial services and digital platforms operating in Central Asia.
AI is becoming part of the consumer decision journey. Consumers are already using AI to compare products, explore options and understand unfamiliar topics. Brands need to consider how their products and services are represented in AI-generated answers, not just traditional search results.
Consumers increasingly expect immediate, understandable answers. Speed and the ability to simplify complex information are among AI's strongest attractions. These expectations may influence how customers evaluate digital services and support experiences.
AI-assisted interactions extend beyond transactions. The willingness to discuss personal questions with AI suggests opportunities for more conversational services. However, privacy, transparency and appropriate safeguards remain essential.
Local differences matter. Uzbekistan's respondents report more intensive AI usage across several practical applications, while trust levels and individual use cases differ between the three countries. Regional strategies should account for these variations.
AI is becoming part of the consumer decision journey. Consumers are already using AI to compare products, explore options and understand unfamiliar topics. Brands need to consider how their products and services are represented in AI-generated answers, not just traditional search results.
Consumers increasingly expect immediate, understandable answers. Speed and the ability to simplify complex information are among AI's strongest attractions. These expectations may influence how customers evaluate digital services and support experiences.
AI-assisted interactions extend beyond transactions. The willingness to discuss personal questions with AI suggests opportunities for more conversational services. However, privacy, transparency and appropriate safeguards remain essential.
Local differences matter. Uzbekistan's respondents report more intensive AI usage across several practical applications, while trust levels and individual use cases differ between the three countries. Regional strategies should account for these variations.
Conclusion
The DATACTION study reveals that AI is evolving from an occasional productivity tool into an everyday source of information and advice among regular users in Central Asia
Uzbekistan stands out for frequent usage and broad application across daily tasks. Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan also demonstrate substantial engagement, particularly in education, household questions and consumer decision-making
Perhaps the most significant finding is the expanding role of AI in personal decision-making. More than half of surveyed users in all three countries say certain personal questions are easier to ask AI than another person
For businesses, the opportunity extends beyond introducing AI-powered features. It lies in understanding how consumers use AI to find information, evaluate choices and make decisions — and adapting customer experiences accordingly
Uzbekistan stands out for frequent usage and broad application across daily tasks. Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan also demonstrate substantial engagement, particularly in education, household questions and consumer decision-making
Perhaps the most significant finding is the expanding role of AI in personal decision-making. More than half of surveyed users in all three countries say certain personal questions are easier to ask AI than another person
For businesses, the opportunity extends beyond introducing AI-powered features. It lies in understanding how consumers use AI to find information, evaluate choices and make decisions — and adapting customer experiences accordingly
About the Study
- 3 countriesGeographic coverage
-
1,826
Total sample
- 18 — 60Respondent age
- 2026Research period
Target population: AI users aged 18–60 who interact with AI several times a month or more.
The survey used age-group quotas within each country and examined AI usage frequency, applications, motivations, trust and decision-making.
Results are based on unweighted survey data. Figures describing trust in specific topics may use topic-specific respondent bases. Findings should not be interpreted as AI adoption rates among the general population.
1,826
606
610
Kyrgystan
total
Uzbekistan
610
Kazakhstan