The Wall Street Journal

Why are the young so vulnerable to phishing scams? Blame fomo

Why are the young so vulnerable to phishing scams? Blame fomo
Phishing messages promising social opportunities – like a party invitation – are the most successful. (Image: 123rf)
The Wall Street Journal
By Heidi MitchellFomo, or fear of missing out, isn’t just a painful feeling – it’s also a big phishing vulnerability for young adults on social media. Two recent studies of Instagram users between the ages of 16 and 29 show that the promise of a social opportunity can be so alluring that it can cause many young people to let down their guard and fall for a phishing scam.We spoke with the lead author of both studies, Jennifer Klütsch, a PhD candidate and research associate in the work and engineering psychology depart...

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