Segundo o relatório Reality Checkby Kaspersky, 70% of Millennials occasionally verify the authenticity of their calls, and 64% claim to have encountered someone online they believe misrepresented or distorted their true identity. Thestudyalso reveals a certain naivety in Millennials’ digital behavior. As the first generation to grow up with social media, they take pride in their experiences and technological achievements: 71% believe they are the most digitally knowledgeable members of their families.
The study also found that 14% of Millennials admit to having used a fake name, created a fictitious profile, or pretended to be someone else on social media. This statistic highlights a concerning trend: digital falsification is not just the domain of criminals but a behavior adopted by some members of this generation.
“When we rely solely on our own digital knowledge, we may overlook the possibility that others are not as innocent online as we imagine. In some cases, people with strong narcissistic, psychopathic, or Machiavellian traits exploit this trust through catfishing and other deceptive tactics,” saysRuth Guest, Cyberpsychologist and Founder of the Social Media Safety Game Sersha.
The consequences of these behaviors are evident, with 38% of the generation reporting negative experiences due to lost online trust, and 68% stating they are less likely to trust and form relationships online. Perhaps most surprising is that, despite all this, 44% of respondents say they still trust information shared through virtual communities.
“As the primary digital administrators in households worldwide, it falls to Millennials themselves to identify and resolve the problem of naivety and misplaced trust in their generation. Their role extends beyond their own usage, influencing the broader online community through the management of others’ digital lives,”says Marc Rivero, Senior Security Researcher at Kaspersky’s Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT).
“By taking proactive measures, such as verifying identities, managing personal data, and staying informed about cyber threats, Millennials can maintain control over their online security and reduce the risk of deception. The digital habits they cultivate not only protect their own safety but also foster greater awareness for younger generations and the less tech-savvy, reinforcing a culture of caution in an increasingly deceptive online landscape,”adds Rivero.
The recommendations below can help Millennials, their families, and friends address risks they may encounter in digital interactions:
- Verify identities:conduct reverse image searches, cross-check profiles, and use video calls to confirm a person matches the photos they’ve shared.
- Cross-reference information:check if reliable sources corroborate shared information to avoid spreading or engaging with misinformation.
- Protect personal information:limit what can be viewed and shared. Be mindful of what you disclose and adjust privacy settings to restrict access to sensitive data.
- Be cautious with location sharing:posting frequently visited locations can inadvertently reveal behavioral patterns. When using location tags, opt for broad or nonspecific places.
- Be mindful of others’ data:when sharing information involving other people, always obtain their consent. Handle their data with the same care and respect as your own.
- Stay informed about digital scams:keep up to date with the most common online scams and their warning signs to ensure greater vigilance. TheKaspersky Dailyblog offers updated guidance on this.
- Use strong passwords:trusted security solutions likeKaspersky Password Managergenerate protected, unique passwords for each account. Resist the temptation to reuse passwords across multiple accounts.
- Install updates:keep apps and software updated to patch security vulnerabilities and ensure optimal protection for all devices. Additionally, use antivirus software likeKaspersky Premiumto guard against threats like malicious links and real-time identity theft.
To access the report, visit the link.
