Understanding Gen Z's Vulnerability to Romance Scams

Although they are digital natives, Gen Z is more vulnerable to cybercrimes like phishing, identity theft, romance scams, and cyberbullying than previous generations. As they enter the workforce, understanding their cybersecurity behaviors is crucial. This study explores factors behind Gen Z’s susceptibility to romance scams based on thematic analysis of interviews with 21 participants. Findings show that high trust in technology, emotional and social dynamics, and generational influences increase their vulnerability. While aware of security risks, Gen Z often remains uncertain about how to respond and seek support. Keywords Romance scams, Gen Z, Qualitative analysis, Thematic analysis.