Loneliness is an increasing concern among millennials, as recent studies show that 57% of young Europeans are moderately or even severely lonely. This may be propelling millennials to turn to digital spaces to fill the gaps left by declining traditional social structures, such as workplace socialization and in-person gatherings.
A new study by Kaspersky examining how millennials interact with digital platforms revealed that approximately 36% of millennials report that engaging with online communities has positively affected their mental health and well-being. However, excessive engagement with online communities can increase the risk of misrepresentation and superficial interactions.
Online communities: a
safe space or a breeding ground for misrepresentation?
The study indicates
that 36% of millennials can be considered “Active Contributors” to online
communities, dedicating at least three hours daily to platforms such as group
forums, social networks and gaming communities. For some, these virtual spaces
provide an essential source of comfort and companionship, particularly when
feeling lonely.
Ruth Guest, cyberpsychologist and founder of social media safety game, Sersha, explains, “Digital spaces have evolved into spaces where millennials can explore, learn and connect with like-minded individuals. When used wisely and with proper safeguards, social media can be a tremendous asset to one’s mental health. It offers a platform for self-expression, a sense of belonging and even creative inspiration. However, it is crucial to remember that the benefits of these online communities depend on maintaining a balance.”
However, the risks
should not be underestimated. 12% of respondents reported that engaging with
online communities had a negative impact on their mental health. Additionally, nearly
two-thirds (59%) of millennials have encountered someone online who they
believe misrepresented or distorted their true identity, revealing the
potential dangers of seemingly positive online interactions.
Navigating digital friendships safely
For half of the
responsdents digital interactions had absolutely no effect on their mental
health. This indicates that for many, online engagement has become a routine
part of their daily life rather than a transformative experience.
Still, as many millennials benefit from the constant connectivity of online spaces, there is a clear undercurrent of caution: excessive reliance on digital interactions may increase susceptibility to online misrepresentation, where individuals may fabricate or exaggerate aspects of their identity, leading to false trust and potential emotional harm. Particularly with 10% of the survey’s respondents admitting that they themselves have, at some point, used a fake name, created a fake profile or deliberately pretended to be someone else on social media.
Marc Rivero, Lead Security Researcher in the Global Research & Analysis Team (GReAT) at Kaspersky, warns“the very spaces that offer connection and support can also expose users to privacy risks, cyberbullying, and identity fraud. Millennials must be mindful of the information they share and the digital footprints they leave behind. Establishing boundaries and prioritizing online security is key to ensuring these digital friendships remain positive and safe.”
Kaspersky shares the following tips 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.
