Study shows that Generation Z falls for scams more than Boomers

A recent survey was surprising when it revealed that the Generation Z falls more for blows than Boomers, despite having grown up in the digital age. This finding raises intriguing questions about the patterns of behavior and factors that contribute to this unexpected difference in vulnerability between different generational groups.

To better understand the reasons behind this worrying trend, the showmetech analyzes data provided by research that compared Generation Z vs Boomers!

The growth of Digital Scams

In the current scenario, the digital scams have become alarmingly frequent, with emphasis on attacks by Phishing, posing a growing threat to the security and privacy of both individuals and organizations. In the United States, for example, cases of this type of scam increased by 36% in 2023 alone. Other forms of fraud, such as identity theft, romance scams and cyberbullying, are also on the rise. Last year, online scams grew by around 35% in Brazil, while North Americans lost US$12,5 billion due to digital attacks.

Surprisingly, Gen Z falls for scams more than boomers. A study conducted by Deloite revealed that young Gen Z people in the United States are up to three times more likely to fall victim to online scams than older members of society. The cost of these attacks on younger people is constantly rising, as indicated by the 2023 report from Social Catfish on digital scams, which showed losses of US$210 million among victims under the age of 20 in 2022 alone.

Generation Z has greater difficulty identifying scams

A Generation Z, comprising those born between 1995 and 2010, is known for its cultural influence, tendency to innovation and openness to breaking paradigms. These digital natives have a multifaceted approach to time, characterized by the ability to carry out several activities simultaneously. Despite their realistic, tolerant and practical outlook, they also face mental health challenges as they dream of shaping a better world.

Raised in a digitally immersive environment from birth, members of Gen Z are the first generation to grow up in a world completely connected by technology. However, despite this deep technological immersion, they are frequent victims of digital scams. The research carried out by Deloitte highlights that young people in this group are the most frequent targets of cyber attacks compared to their grandparents, the famous Boomers.

Compared to older generations, younger members face higher rates of victimization in various forms of digital scams. In the United States, Gen Z youth are three times more likely to fall for scams than Boomers, with a 16% rate of young people affected. Additionally, they are also more likely to have their digital accounts hacked, with a 17% hacking rate among them.

A worrying fact revealed in interviews is that 14% of Gen Z respondents reported having their location information used inappropriately, a higher percentage than any other generation. Therefore, despite their awareness of online security, people of this generation emerge as the main victims of digital scams, compared to Millennials and Boomers.

Boomers, the pre-internet generation

Os baby boomers are the generation born during the post-World War II period, between the 1940s and 1950s, with some considering those born in the early 1960s to be part of this demographic. It is worth noting that the term “boomers” derives from the massive increase in birth rates during this historical period.

This generation was deeply influenced by the defining events of their youth, such as the Vietnam War and the Cold War. They grew up in a time of economic prosperity and social stability, shaping their perspectives and values ​​around hard work, family commitment, and financial stability. Additionally, they are often associated with a more traditional view of social and cultural issues.

As Gen Z parents and grandparents, they have demonstrated proficiency in digital behavior. The research of Deloite revealed that only a small percentage of boomers (5%) fell for online scams, while 8% said they had fallen victim to hackers.

Despite being less digitally connected, boomers they still engage in online activities such as dating, shopping, using banking apps and social interaction. The main difference lies in the fact that, unlike Generation Z, technologies have not always been so accessible to them. Given this, the study reports that 47% of Generation Z and 52% of Millennials agree with the statement “I find it easy to be safe when I'm online”, while only 30% of Boomers agreed.

Millennials, the analog and digital generation

Os Millennials, also known as Y generation, are those who succeed the boomers and precede Generation Z, born approximately between the beginning of the 1980s and the mid-1990s. “millennials” it was attributed to them due to their transition into adulthood at the beginning of the new millennium.

This generation is marked by having grown up amid significant technological advances, which makes them highly connected and adept at technology and instant communication. As a result, Millennials tend to be proficient in the digital environment from an early age. They are known for their ambition, multitasking ability and engagement in social causes, constantly seeking a balance between personal and professional life.

Regarding internet use, Millennials, especially older ones, generally had access to computers at school or at specific times. Among them, the most common online scams include identity theft (20%) and romance scams (18%).

According to research conducted by an associate professor of psychology at Norfolk State University Regarding cybersecurity habits, digital natives, including Millennials, tend to have a more solid knowledge of digital scams. However, both Millennials and Gen Z are more likely to be targets of cyber attacks than Boomers, and surprisingly, Gen Z stands out when it comes to difficulty implementing cybersecurity measures into their lives.

The search for reasons

The higher frequency of online scams among Generation Z, despite their digital immersion, can be explained by several theories. Firstly, this generation, growing up in a technological environment from an early age and without the initial fears of internet scams, tends to be more susceptible to manipulation. The lack of prioritization of digital security can be attributed to this convenience, highlighting a gap in cybersecurity education in schools.

The types of scams targeting Generation Z are different, focusing more on this group's technological dependence. The ease of finding information online and frequent interaction with strangers makes them ideal targets for scams, especially romantic ones, as pointed out by Tanneasha Gordon, an executive at Deloitte.

Furthermore, the increase in e-commerce and the proliferation of fraudulent websites adapted to the consumption patterns of Generation Z also increase their exposure to scams.

Additionally, the constant presence of social media applications, such as TikTok e Instagram, which send constant alerts and updates, creates an additional opening for attacks. While security measures like two-factor authentication can be effective, implementing them can be seen as a nuisance for those who grew up in a more permissive digital environment.

Therefore, in addition to improving individual practices, it is crucial for Gen Z to understand the systems and motives underlying online scams for more effective protection.

How to protect yourself

To stay protected in the digital environment, it is important to adopt cybersecurity practices, such as the following:

• Keep your devices' software up to date;
• Use strong passwords;
• Activate two-step verification on your online accounts;
• Do not click on links or download attachments in emails or text messages from unknown or suspicious senders;
• Limit the amount of personal information you share online;
• Keep backup copies of your important files in safe locations;
• Avoid unsecured public Wi-Fi networks;
• Use reliable antivirus and anti-malware programs and keep them updated;
• Stay on top of different types of online fraud.

Additionally, in the showmetech You can check the complete step-by-step guide to protect yourself from scams, check it out:

• How to protect yourself from criminals who apply scams on the internet
• How to increase your security on Instagram
• Apple ID: How to activate two-factor authentication and keep your iPhone and iPad secure
• Enable XNUMX-Step Verification and secure your logins
• How to recover Instagram account (and increase security)
• How do hackers steal your Instagram?
• Instagram: how to activate two-step verification

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Sources: Vox, tech.co, New York Post

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reviewed by Glaucon Vital in 22 / 4 / 24.