A new study from Kaspersky highlights a growing divide in how millennials communicate personal experiences, as social media constitutes a dominant tool for validation and emotional support. Nearly half (39%) millennials report posting significant life updates, such as breakups, promotions, or moving homes, on social media before informing their closest family and friends in person. Yet, more than half (60%) say, they find it easier to develop genuine friendships and romantic relationships through face-to-face interactions.
Chasing likes: Why millennials seek instant feedback online
“Human beings have an innate need
for connection and validation,”observes Ruth Guest, Cyberpsychologist and Founder
of social media safety game, Sersha.“With smartphones always at
hand, the constant influx of likes, comments and shares offers an almost
instantaneous sense of approval. It is no surprise that many millennials look
to social media not only as a platform for self-expression but also as a
primary source of validation.”
This trend is compounded by the widespread assumption that everyone on social media is carefully curating their lives to appear ‘socially desirable’. Guest adds: “There is a danger in this reliance: when most users present a polished, idealised version of themselves, we begin to lose sight of the full, authentic human experience. While an idealised online self may garner quick approval, it can mask the more nuanced and sometimes messy reality of personal relationships.”
Beyond the screen: Face-to-face friendships are still favoured
Despite the heavy use of digital
platforms for sharing personal milestones, the study finds that offline
friendships continue to hold by far a strong appeal. On average, millennials
report having about eight close, meaningful online relationships compared to
approximately 12 in-person connections.
This contrast suggests that although digital platforms offer valuable opportunities for maintaining contact and garnering immediate social approval, the deeper bonds forged in person are still essential. Millennials recognise that genuine trust and understanding are more easily cultivated through direct interaction with all verbal and non-verbal cues present in real time.
From likes to leaks: Social
media oversharing fuels privacy threats
As the study highlights,
nearly half of millennials (47%) are comfortable sharing sensitive or personal
information online – increasing the risk of their exposure to privacy threats. “Oversharing personal information online can make individuals more
vulnerable to identity theft, phishing attacks,
and social engineering scams,” says, Marc Rivero, Lead Security Researcher in
the Global Research & Analysis Team (GReAT) at Kaspersky. “Personal details
shared online, such as location check-ins, relationship status, and daily
routines can be exploited for targeted scams or unauthorized surveillance.
Additionally, the lasting imprint of digital footprints means that past posts,
even those shared in private groups, can resurface in ways that can impact
personal security.”
Given this heightened
risk, millennials’ role in digital security extends beyond their own online
habits. While 74% consider themselves the most digitally literate members of
their households, 89% have managed or assisted others with their digital
presence and/or practices, which makes them the primary IT administrators of
their households. This responsibility makes them accountable not only for their
own privacy and cybersecurity but also for safeguarding their family's digital
safety.
Kaspersky shares the following recommendations and resources to enjoy online
interactions in the safest way possible:
- Verify identities: Reverse image searches, cross-check profiles and request video calls to confirm a person matches their pictures.
- Cross-reference information: Check for reputable sources to back up any information shared online to avoid spreading or engaging with misinformation.
- Manage personal information: Limit what can be seen and shared. Be cautious about what’s being shared online and adjust privacy settings to limit access to sensitive data. Use an online privacy checker to assist with this.
- Be cautious with geotagging: Posting specific places visited frequently can unintentionally reveal movement patterns. When using geotags, opt for abstract or non-specific locations.
- Be mindful of others' data: When sharing information that involves other individuals, always obtain their consent. Treat others' personal data with the same level of care and respect as one’s own.
- Stay informed about digital scams: Keep informed on common online scams and red flags, ensuring everyone remains vigilant. The Kaspersky Daily blog offers up-to-date tips.
- Use strong passwords: Use a reliable security solution like Kaspersky Password Manager to generate and secure unique passwords for every account; resist the temptation to reuse the same password for more accounts.
- Install updates: Keep apps and software up-to-date to patch security vulnerabilities and ensure optimal security for all devices; additionally, use antivirus software like Kaspersky Premium to protect against threats like malicious links and identity theft in real time.
For additional tips on safeguarding personal data online, refer to the anti-doxing checklist.
To access the full research report, visit the link here.
