Milennials and Gen Z really aren't too bothered about online stalking

Romance Scams
(Image credit: FBI)

Younger generations aren’t as concerned as they should be about online stalking, putting them at an increased risk of falling victim to scams, security experts have warned.

A study by Norton found many as 34% and 35% of Gen Z (18-25) and Millenials (26-42) respectively reported that they weren’t concerned about online stalking by a current or former partner.

Ahead of Valentines Day, the study also lifted the wraps off some of the most common types of online stalking, explaining how affected individuals may be more prone to cybersecurity issues.

TechRadar Pro needs you!
We want to build a better website for our readers, and we need your help! You can do your bit by filling out our survey and telling us your opinions and views about the tech industry in 2023. It will only take a few minutes and all your answers will be anonymous and confidential. Thank you again for helping us make TechRadar Pro even better.

D. Athow, Managing Editor

Online stalking

Three of the most popular methods exploit vulnerabilities that users have placed on themselves with their smartphones. They are checking messages, calls, and photos; browsing search history; and location tracking with apps like Find My.

While it may start with “curious” searches, Norton explains that this could quickly progress to installing stalkerware and creepware apps to covertly monitor activity. More than one in eight Americans are unfamiliar with these types of software, which Norton says is a huge opportunity for education. 

Further afield from our own families and relationships (past or present), the study also found that online scams relating to dating or romance are alarmingly commonplace, to the point that a quarter of Americans have fallen victim. More than half (53%) of these victims also suffered financial losses, averaging $230 a head, while as many as one in 10 Americans have also been catfished.

Senior Technical Director of Norton Labs, Kevin Roundy, said:

“We highly encourage securing your devices and personal information to help protect your privacy, which can be critical not only for your Cyber Safety, but your physical and mental wellbeing as well.”

Craig Hale

With several years’ experience freelancing in tech and automotive circles, Craig’s specific interests lie in technology that is designed to better our lives, including AI and ML, productivity aids, and smart fitness. He is also passionate about cars and the decarbonisation of personal transportation. As an avid bargain-hunter, you can be sure that any deal Craig finds is top value!

Read more
Closeup image of an eye with a heart on a screen reflected within
Bad romance: how to take control of your dating data and avoid a clinch from a cyberstalker
A digital representation of a lock
Gen Z and Millennial social media accounts are ripe for the taking and this doesn’t surprise me
A light pink gift box with blush pink bow, red hearts and confetti on a pastel pink background.
How to spot Valentine’s Day scams - stay safe on this most special day with our security tips
An illustration of a hooded hacker with an obscured face holding a large fingerprint against a red background.
ID theft – what happens when someone steals your identity
Photograph of a hand holding a smartphone with two googly eyes
Every tap, every message – how to stop your smartphone spying on you
Woman on bed looking at phone.
Don’t fall for these AI chatbot scams this Valentine’s Day – here’s how they could play with your heart strings
Latest in Security
A stylized depiction of a padlocked WiFi symbol sitting in the centre of an interlocking vault.
Broadcom warns of worrying security flaws affecting VMware tools
URL phishing
HaveIBeenPwned owner suffers phishing attack that stole his Mailchimp mailing list
Ransomware
Cl0p resurgence drives ransomware attacks to new highs in 2025
Google Chrome
Google Chrome security flaw could have let hackers spy on all your online habits
cybersecurity
Chinese government hackers allegedly spent years undetected in foreign phone networks
Data leak
A major Keenetic router data leak could put a million households at risk
Latest in News
Xbox Series X and Xbox wireless controller set to a green background
Xbox Insiders are currently testing a new Game Hub feature that looks useful, but I've got mixed feelings about it
A stylized depiction of a padlocked WiFi symbol sitting in the centre of an interlocking vault.
Broadcom warns of worrying security flaws affecting VMware tools
Microsoft Surface Laptop and Surface Pro devices on a table.
Hate Windows 11’s search? Microsoft is fixing it with AI, and that almost makes me want to buy a Copilot+ PC
Oura Ring 4
Activity tracking on Oura Ring is about to get a whole lot better, but I've got bad news about your step count
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
Cleaned your Pixel Buds Pro 2 recently? If not, you might be getting worse sound
Google Maps on a phone being held in someone's hand
Google Maps is getting two key upgrades, for easier route planning and quicker access to Gemini AI