A study conducted by Experian, a global data and technology company, suggests that around 52% of Gen Z users are now anxious about online privacy and misinformation than older generations, who focus more on traditional cyberattacks and identity theft.
You see, older generations avoid or skip sites that ask for IDs and choose platforms like online casinos with no verification, primarily because they don’t ask for personal information when signing up for the first time. They say it’s an effective way to avoid data being used for phishing attacks, identity theft, and online tracking.
However, Gen Zers’ privacy concerns are about the exposure of sensitive information that can be used for harassment, bullying, and damaging their relationships with family and friends.
Why Gen Z Feels Unsafe Online
Personal privacy concerns are the primary reason Gen Zers feel anxious about their online safety and misinformation. They are not particularly worried about traditional cybercrimes such as data breaches and unauthorised access by hackers, or their data being used for online tracking and marketing, despite some regulations prohibiting such use. Gen Z users are more worried about harassment, bullying and damaging relationships due to exposure of embarrassing or compromising photos, videos, and mental health details.
Regarding surveillance and control, older generations are more concerned about ad tracking and location monitoring than Gen Zers. Interestingly, Gen Z doesn’t mind being tracked by apps or websites. In fact, some feel that it’s important to track their spouses’ locations as a safety precaution.
How Gen Zers Are Coping with Online Safety Concerns
Gen Zers are keen on taking online measures such as using anonymous browsers, clearing cookies, and encrypting their communications. The use of VPN is one of the safety measures common among people anxious about their online safety, and Gen Z accounts for about 40% of regular VPN users globally. This percentage will likely increase in the future as cyberattacks become rampant.
Some Gen Zers are using secondary fake profiles online. Many young users maintain “alt” accounts: secondary profiles detached from their real identities. These accounts allow them to explore new platforms without uploading ID documents.
The Data Privacy Paradox Among Gen Z
Gen Zers’ focus is on the right to control what becomes public, yet they share personal information on social media. The truth is, unlike older generations, Gen Zers are more likely to share their personal information online as long as it’ll help improve their online experiences. This attitude also extends to digital entertainment platforms, where data privacy for gamblers is becoming a growing concern among younger users. To them, personalisation outweighs privacy, which also explains why personally interesting and relevant topics are the primary reason Gen Zers like social media content.
Regulation and Responsibility
Websites may track your online activity by using a cookie to identify you even after leaving the site, and the generations before Gen Z are more sceptical of how platforms secure and use their personal data. With data breaches becoming increasingly common, people are wary of entrusting sensitive documents, such as driver’s licences, to a company. Even worse, these platforms don’t clearly explain why they need specific information or how they will use it.
Luckily, the UK Online Safety Act, for example, requires social platforms to take stronger steps against harmful content and improve identity verification processes. Moving ahead, there’s a need to combine various methods of combating privacy threats among online users. These include strategic design of different platforms, merging regulations, and continuous education. The fact is that responses to digital threats vary across generations, which is why it’s important to combine different methods to navigate online platforms with minimal risks.
But it should be noted that there’s a fine line between protecting users and infringing on their privacy. Too much verification, and users feel overwhelmed. Too little, and scams thrive. The solution for this is for everyone to play their part. Users must take responsibility for their privacy by being aware of how their data is collected, used, and shared. Technology companies, on the other hand, must have robust systems capable of protecting user data while also providing sufficient security measures.
Conclusion
Interestingly, there is a difference in privacy-related priorities and protection tendencies between Gen Zers and older generations. For Gen Zers, online privacy is closely tied to identity and self-expression, and understanding Gen Z culture offers insight into how they navigate digital spaces with a strong sense of control over their presence.
But the truth is, it doesn’t matter whether the focus is more on identity theft and phishing or personal privacy and misinformation online. We live in a hyper-connected society that demands everyone to stay vigilant about online privacy. The future of the digital world will depend on how well we protect those who live in it every day.
