Thursday, 09 January 2025
The rise of gaming-related scams has placed Malaysian teenagers at heightened risk, particularly on platforms like Discord and Instagram. According to a white paper by the Social & Economic Research Initiative (SERI), over half of Malaysian teens have encountered scams involving fake offers and phishing schemes.
The report, titled Teens, Tech and Trust: Navigating Social Media in Malaysia, revealed that 56% of teens claim to identify scams, but 11% admitted falling victim to them. A troubling example involved a scammer using AI-generated explicit content to extort a victim, highlighting the dangers of digital manipulation.
Popular platforms like Instagram and Discord are often exploited by scammers posing as experienced players or offering exclusive deals to earn trust before absconding with funds. SERI underscores the importance of financial literacy education and coordinated efforts by parents, schools, and enforcement agencies to combat these threats.
Teens spend an average of three or more hours daily on social media, making digital literacy and safe online practices crucial. Parents play a vital role by setting boundaries, though the survey shows a lack of consistent rules among many families. Teachers are urged to equip students with the skills to navigate online spaces safely.
SERI researcher Yohendran Nadar Arulthevan emphasized the need for comprehensive digital literacy to address growing concerns like scams and cyberbullying. The study surveyed 185 teens aged 13 to 17, revealing diverse experiences based on gender, age, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Source:
Malay Mail - Gaming scams on the rise: Study finds teens at risk on Discord and Instagram