Despite growing up with the internet, Gen Z individuals are not immune to becoming victims of cyberattacks and fraud.
If you belong to Generation Z, born roughly between the late 1990s and early 2010s, you or someone you know might have fallen prey to online scams. Recent data from a Deloitte survey reveals that Gen Z is more susceptible to falling for scams and experiencing cyberattacks compared to their grandparents.
In various categories such as phishing, identity theft, romance scams, and cyberbullying, younger generations report higher victimization rates than older generations. The Deloitte survey specifically highlights that Gen Z Americans are three times more likely to fall for online scams compared to boomers (16 percent versus 5 percent). Additionally, Gen Z is twice as likely to have their social media accounts hacked (17 percent versus 8 percent). Notably, 14 percent of Gen Z respondents reported having their location information misused, a higher proportion than any other generation. The financial toll of these scams on younger individuals is also on the rise. A 2023 report by Social Catfish reveals that online scam victims under 20 years old lost an estimated $8.2 million in 2017, which skyrocketed to $210 million in 2022.
While Gen Z is well aware of online security threats, they often struggle to implement cybersecurity best practices effectively in their lives, as revealed by research led by Scott Debb, an associate professor of psychology at Norfolk State University. This disparity raises the question: Why is a generation that is arguably the most digitally literate so vulnerable to online scams and hacking?
Several theories attempt to explain this phenomenon. First, Gen Z relies more heavily on technology, providing more opportunities for scammers to target them through various devices and online activities. Second, the convenience of technology often outweighs concerns about security for Gen Z, as their familiarity with devices encourages them to prioritize ease of use. Third, cybersecurity education in schools may not effectively resonate with Gen Z's online experiences, failing to adequately prepare them for potential threats.
Kyla Guru, a 21-year-old computer science student at Stanford, who founded a cybersecurity education organization as a teenager, acknowledges Gen Z's awareness of online threats. She believes that tailored education can make a significant difference, citing instances where students instantly recognize online safety issues based on their personal experiences.
The scams targeting Gen Z resemble those targeting other age groups online. However, because Gen Z relies more on technology for various aspects of their lives, they encounter a broader range of scams, from fraudulent websites to phishing emails. Additionally, their comfort with online interactions makes them prime targets for romance scams and social media impersonation.
While older generations also engage in online activities, the difference lies in the extent of their exposure to technology from a young age. This generational gap influences how people perceive cybersecurity risks. For Gen Z and the subsequent generation, Gen Alpha, technology is an integral part of life, whereas older generations adopted it later. As a result, younger generations might be more accepting of the inherent risks of online activities.
Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok prioritize convenience, encouraging users to stay logged in and providing instant access to updates and messages. Implementing stricter security measures, such as requiring frequent logins and two-factor authentication, may deter some users. However, for those who have grown up with social media as a core means of self-expression, such measures may seem cumbersome.
A more personalized approach to online safety, tailored to how younger generations use the internet, could be more effective. This approach might involve adjusting browser settings, configuring app settings, or improving password management without compromising convenience or limiting internet usage.
Experts argue that the responsibility for online safety should not rest solely on individual users. Apps and platforms designed for convenience should also prioritize user protection. Suggestions include sending test phishing emails to users and directing those who fall for them to educational resources. Additionally, making privacy settings more accessible and understandable could enhance online safety.
Ultimately, empowering Gen Z to understand the incentives behind online scams and their perpetrators may be the key to better preparing them to navigate a world rife with online threats. Understanding the reasons behind scams and identifying ways to combat them can help younger generations stay safer in the digital landscape.
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