According to the report Reality Check by Kaspersky, 70% of Millennials occasionally verify the authenticity of their calls, and 64% claim to have encountered someone online who they believe misrepresented or distorted their true identity. The study also reveals a certain naivety in Millennials’ digital behavior. As the first generation to grow up with social media, they take pride in their technological experiences and achievements: 71% believe they are the most digitally knowledgeable members of their families.
The study also shows that 14% of Millennials claim to have used a fake name, created a fictional 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 a loss of online trust, and 68% stating they are less likely to trust and establish relationships online. Perhaps the most surprising fact 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 address the problem of naivety and misplaced trust within 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 identity verification, personal data management, and awareness of 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 caution among younger generations and less tech-savvy individuals, reinforcing a culture of vigilance 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 that a person matches their posted photos.
- Cross-reference information: check if there are reliable sources that corroborate shared information to avoid spreading or engaging with misinformation.
- Protect personal information: limit what can be seen and shared. Be mindful of what you display and adjust privacy settings to restrict access to sensitive data.
- Be cautious with location: sharing frequently visited locations can unintentionally reveal behavioral patterns. When using location tags, opt for broad or non-specific places.
- Be mindful of others’ data: when sharing information involving others, always obtain their consent. Treat their data with the same level of care and respect as your own.
- Stay informed about digital scams: always stay updated on the most common online scams and their warning signs to ensure greater vigilance. The blog Kaspersky Daily provides updated suggestions for this.
- Use strong passwords: trusted security solutions like Kaspersky Password Manager generate protected and unique passwords for each account. Resist the temptation to reuse the same password for multiple accounts.
- Install updates: keep apps and software updated to patch security vulnerabilities and ensure optimal security for all devices. Additionally, use antivirus software like Kaspersky Premium to protect against threats such as malicious links and identity theft in real time.
To access the report, visit the link.
