Why Data Privacy Matters to Millennials: A Deep Dive into Security

As a millennial, you grew up with the internet, Instagram, Netflix, and memes. You also experienced how social media has developed—from MySpace to TikTok. But wait… While it’s great that you’re experienced with the internet, have you thought about mastering online privacy?

Privacy is important for millennials to prevent scams or identity theft, regain control over their data, and protect freedom of expression. Millennials should be proactive with their privacy.

We’ve already made blogs about why privacy matters for teens and college students. Now, we’ll focus on millennials.

We know that millennials may feel like digital superheroes. Your phone is like your sidekick. But just like heroes need to protect their identities, you also need to do some serious self-care for your online privacy.

First, who are millennials? If you’re born between 1981 and 1996, then you‘re a millennial. That also means you’re a digital native, compared to your parents, who had to “figure out” the internet. You’ve seen social networking sites emerge (e.g., Classmates.com, Snapchat, and Instagram), the spread of smartphones, and the evolution of online services.

But you’ve also seen the dark side of the rising world of the internet—from data leaks, new online scams, and companies tracking everything you do online.

For some millennials, “privacy” is a tricky concept. It’s understandable since we now live in this age of status updates and selfies. The fear of missing out can strike everyone, not just millennials. Ultimately, you might think that sharing everything online is just the norm right now.

For others, it’s hard to quit the internet because it’s where they access information, regardless of where they are. Plus, many people are working remotely—which is great, but there are now threats to online job seekers, such as scam remote work.

Still, most millennials care about privacy. A survey found that 44% of Americans have a strong feeling that the internet and advancements in technology have greatly invaded their privacy. Meanwhile, 34% had mixed feelings and just hoped for the best whenever they went online.

Maybe you care about your privacy. That’s great. But are you actively protecting it? There are 3 reasons why privacy matters for millennials.

Privacy matters for millennials because scammers and identity thieves are thriving online. Thanks to the internet, they can now easily get hold of your data and use it for their schemes.

For example, when you post your Social Security number on social media, scammers can just get it and use it to open accounts or get loans in your name.

Even if your account is in private mode, scammers can create accounts, posing as someone you know. They’ll add you. And once you confirm, they can access what you post. Many millennials are prone to this, as 70% rarely verify the identities they engage with online.

Privacy matters because your personal data is yours. Scammers, fraudsters, and sneaky companies don’t own it.

So, you should have control over it—how it’s collected, shared, sold, and used.

Protecting your privacy means safeguarding your personal data from the social media platforms you use. You don’t want Facebook tracking every post, search, or like you make, so they can relentlessly target you with ads. You also don’t want people search sites listing your phone numbers for anyone to see, including bad guys who will use it for phishing.

Remember: In this data-driven world, you are the product. That can ruin your life, not just because of scams or identity theft. Companies sharing your data with anyone can lead to poor business decisions that can affect your life.

For example, if Company A collected data about your drinking habits in the past, then shared it with insurance companies, it could affect your coverage or application. There have been cases where car drivers have been denied insurance because automakers shared inaccurate driving behavior with insurance companies.

Privacy is also about the ability to think or express yourself freely, without fearing immediate backlash. But in a time where you’re being constantly watched online, everything you post can be perused.

It can be hard to express freely or just be yourself. Knowing that your data can be misused against you makes it hard to just vent online, explore new ideas, or post about controversial issues.

Now, you understand why privacy matters for millennials. So, it’s time to get proactive. Below are 7 essential tips to up your privacy game as a millennial:

• Tip No. 1 – Strengthen Accounts: Make sure that hackers won’t be able to break into your accounts.
  
  • Use strong, unique passwords (a combination of numbers, letters, special characters, with at least 14 characters).
  • Use a password manager (e.g., Bitwarden), which generates strong passwords and can help you keep track of them all.
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). This will add an extra layer of security and prevent scammers from accessing your account.
    
• Tip No. 2 – Update Software & Devices: Make your devices more secure by regularly updating your apps and operating system. This will help patch security flaws, keeping hackers at bay.
  
• Tip No. 3 – Limit Information Sharing: Remember, whenever you post something or share information online, you make your personal data more accessible to shady companies and scammers. So, avoid oversharing. Keep personal details private, like your addresses, phone numbers, and Social Security number.
  
• Tip No. 4 – Don’t Use Public Wi-Fi or Charging Stations: Millennials are always outside. But when you’re outside, don’t use public Wi-Fi or charging stations. Yes, they’re free, but it’s also easy for hackers to hijack, allowing them to access your data.
  
• Tip No. 5 – Opt Out of Data Brokers: You’ve heard about them (e.g., Equifax, LexisNexis, CoreLogic, etc.). These are companies that collect consumer data and sell it to other businesses. You can opt out of them manually (which can take a long time), or you can use a data removal service, which will automate the process and make sure your data stays safe from hundreds of data brokers.
  
• Tip No. 6 – Learn to Spot Phishing: Phishing is one of the top threats to your privacy (and they can be very sneaky). Watch for:
  
  • Suspicious attachments
  • Grammar errors
  • Unrealistic offers or claims
  • Urgency (e.g., Pay now!)
  • AI-generated phishing (e.g., robotic tone and poor personalization)
    
• Tip No. 7 – Use Privacy Tools: Lastly, make your online life more secure by using privacy tools, such as:
  
  • Virtual Private Networks (VPN) – mask your IP address and encrypt your connection
  • Ad blockers – prevent annoying, malicious ads
  • Encrypted messaging apps – ensure that only the intended recipients can view your messages

Overall, while millennials are technically digital experts, there’s room for improvement when it comes to privacy.

As you go on with your online life, make sure that you have control over your personal data. Protect your life from shady companies, hackers, and identity thieves.

Remember: Privacy isn’t about being secretive. It’s about regaining control of what’s yours.

Why are millennials using social media?

While Generation Z stays longer on social media, many millennials are also spending more time on social media because they feel it’s essential to their lives. The reasons why millennials use social media are: 1) for communicating with family, acquaintances, and friends, 2) to make time go faster, 3) to get breaking news, and 4) to learn about trends.

What types of content do millennials like?

Millennials find long-form content more engaging, especially if they’re value-driven. The platforms they prefer are Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Plus, millennials like educational content, storytelling, personal recommendations, podcasts, detailed blog posts, and email marketing.