Kim Grobbelaar | Manager | Consumer Channel | Kaspersky | mail me |
Our latest global research shows that almost all people now interact with family members digitally. In fact, 86% of survey participants communicate via messaging apps. Additionally, 58% have regular video calls.
A further 44% have established joint streaming service accounts. These figures clearly show how digitalisation is influencing family life on a global scale.
In South Africa, the statistics reflect a similar pattern. Here, 91% communicate with family via messaging apps. Furthermore, 68% have regular video calls. In addition, 53% share joint streaming service accounts.
Maintaining family connections regardless of distance
While digitalisation offers unprecedented convenience and flexibility, our experts warn of increased risk. Greater online connectivity demands stronger awareness of digital safety practices and better device protection.
Communication in the digital sphere has become integral to everyday life. Through video calls and instant messaging, people maintain close family connections regardless of distance. At the same time, digitalisation is influencing family life beyond communication alone. It now shapes how families spend free time together.
To explore these shifts, we conducted a survey. The research reveals common patterns in modern family life. It also uncovers cybersecurity challenges that emerge through everyday screen-based interactions.
Cyber safety during family communication
According to the survey, regular messaging remains the preferred communication method. WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Viber and similar apps dominate family interactions. Globally, users aged 35–54 lead this trend. In this group, 89% use messaging apps to communicate with family.
Video calls rank lower as a communication choice. Only 58% of global respondents selected video calls as a primary way to stay in touch with relatives. Another popular form of digital connection involves sharing posts and memes.
Globally, 53% of families exchange content this way. In South Africa, the figure stands at 51%. The 18–34 age group leads this trend globally, with 58% participation. This pattern highlights how humour and shared cultural references now support family bonding. Once again, digitalisation is influencing family life by reshaping emotional connection and interaction.
Older adults, aged 55 and above, generally show lower levels of digital engagement. However, their use of messaging apps remains close to the global average. In this group, 85% chat with family via messengers. Additionally, 42% exchange memes and posts on social media. Despite increased online participation, many older users remain vulnerable to cyber threats and scams. Families should therefore educate older relatives about online safety and secure device use.
Even advanced users face cybersecurity risks during online communication. Phishing attempts often appear as legitimate messages. Social engineering attacks also target personal communication channels. To strengthen protection, users should enable two-factor authentication where possible. They should also use unique and complex passwords for each account. In addition, users must remain cautious of unexpected links or attachments.
A reliable security solution with anti-phishing protection is strongly recommended. Following security guidance from our experts further reduces risk.
Family accounts – convenience or risk?
The survey shows that 70% of families prefer watching movies together in their free time. Meanwhile, 44% maintain family streaming accounts. Online gaming attracts less interest, with only 35% of respondents selecting it as a family activity.
In South Africa, these trends appear even stronger. Here, 78% of families watch movies together. Additionally, 53% use family streaming accounts. Online games attract 35% of families as a shared pastime.
While shared streaming and gaming accounts appear cost-effective, they introduce serious digital risks. Shared logins and passwords increase vulnerability. These risks grow when multiple family members use the same account across different devices. If one device becomes compromised, attackers gain access to the entire account.
In conclusion
Password reuse across platforms further increases exposure. A single breach can reveal financial information, email accounts and other sensitive data. To manage these risks, families should use a password manager. This approach allows each member to maintain secure and unique credentials.
As our family life moves more and more online, it opens up amazing ways to stay close and create memories. However, it also introduces new risks, including scams and hacking. Children and older relatives face particular vulnerability. Looking out for one another online is therefore essential. Protecting digital privacy and using cybersecurity measures is an important way to care for loved ones and keep families safe.
– Marina Titova, Vice President for Consumer Business at Kaspersky
