From video calls to exchanging memes: Kaspersky reveals how digitalisation is influencing family life

Kaspersky’s latest global research shows that digital interaction has become central to modern family life. Globally, 86% of survey participants communicate with family members via messaging apps, 58% hold regular video calls, and 44% share joint streaming service accounts. South Africa mirrors this trend closely, with 91% using messaging apps to stay in touch with family, 68% engaging in regular video calls, and 53% sharing streaming accounts.

While digitalisation has brought unprecedented convenience and flexibility to family communication, Kaspersky experts caution that increased online connectivity also heightens the need for stronger digital safety awareness and better protection of personal devices.

Digital communication and family life

Digital communication is now deeply embedded in everyday routines. Instant messaging and video calls allow families to stay connected regardless of distance, while shared online activities have transformed how families spend their leisure time together. To better understand these evolving dynamics, Kaspersky conducted a survey* exploring digital family habits and the cybersecurity risks that accompany them.

According to the findings, messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal and Viber are the most popular tools for family communication. Globally, adults aged 35–54 are the most active users, with 89% relying on messengers to stay connected. Video calls are less widely used, with only 58% of respondents selecting them as a regular communication method.

Another common digital bonding activity is the sharing of memes and social media posts, with 53% of global respondents and 51% of South Africans engaging in this practice. Younger adults aged 18–34 lead this trend globally, with 58% participating, highlighting how humour and shared online culture play an increasing role in family connections.

Although people aged 55 and older are generally less digitally engaged, their participation in family messaging is comparable to the global average, with 85% using messengers and 42% sharing posts or memes on social media. However, despite being active online, older users may be more vulnerable to cyber threats and scams. Kaspersky therefore encourages families to educate older relatives on safe online behaviour and secure device usage.

Cyber safety in family communication

Even for experienced users, digital communication carries inherent cybersecurity risks. Phishing messages, malicious links and social engineering attacks increasingly exploit trusted personal communication channels. To reduce exposure to these threats, Kaspersky recommends enabling two-factor authentication wherever possible, using strong and unique passwords for each account, treating unexpected messages and attachments with caution, installing a reliable security solution  with anti-phishing protection for messengers, and following expert security guidance.

Shared family accounts: convenience versus risk

The survey also shows that 70% of families globally enjoy watching movies together, with 44% sharing streaming service accounts. Online gaming is less popular, chosen by 35% of respondents. In South Africa, 78% of families watch movies together, 53% share streaming accounts, and 35% engage in online gaming as a family activity.

While shared accounts may appear economical and convenient, they also introduce significant security and privacy risks. When multiple family members use the same login credentials, a compromised device can give attackers access to the entire account. Password reuse across platforms further increases exposure, potentially allowing cybercriminals to access financial data, email accounts and other sensitive information. To mitigate these risks, Kaspersky strongly recommends using a password manager for all family members.

“As family life increasingly shifts online, it creates wonderful opportunities to stay connected and make memories, but it also introduces new risks such as scams and hacking,” said Marina Titova, Vice President for Consumer Business at Kaspersky. “Children and older relatives are often the most vulnerable, which makes looking out for one another online more important than ever. Protecting digital privacy and adopting strong cybersecurity practices is a meaningful way to care for your loved ones and keep your family safe.”