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)

Sat, 22 Mar 2025

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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