Breakups are becoming increasingly complex for younger Americans, as many Gen Z and Millennials face digital privacy invasions after ending relationships. Research from Malwarebytes reveals that 45% of Gen Z respondents reported their ex-partners misusing personal login credentials to access emails, track locations, and even spy on them through shared smart devices. This abuse of consent extends to shared apps, devices, and accounts, creating new post-breakup security concerns.
The issue appears to affect younger generations more significantly than older ones. While just 23% of Gen Xers and 10% of Baby Boomers reported similar behavior, Gen Z and Millennials reported much higher rates of login abuse, including social media impersonation and unauthorized access to financial and streaming accounts. This suggests that younger people’s greater tendency to share digital access may be contributing to the problem.
In addition to account abuse, America’s youth face higher rates of digital stalking, with 13% of Gen Z and Millennials reporting that ex-partners used their accounts to track them, compared to just 5% of older generations. Stalking behaviors included monitoring location apps, accessing smart devices to spy, and manipulating shared household systems. These invasive actions extend beyond minor annoyances, often causing serious disruptions to victims’ lives.
The reasons for this generational divide are not entirely clear, though previous Malwarebytes research suggests that Gen Z is more likely to monitor their partners both with and without consent. This rise in digital surveillance within relationships highlights the need for better awareness of online privacy risks and protections, especially for younger people navigating modern romance and breakups.
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