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India Leads Global Digital Well-Being Index But Online Risks for Gen Z Remain High

India leads the global digital well-being index, highlighting strong parental support. However, online risks like sextortion and grooming remain high for Gen Z, urging more awareness.

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Harsh
New Update
Digital Well-Being Index

Photograph: (IANS)

India has topped the global digital well-being index, scoring 67 out of 100, according to a new report by Snap Inc. This highlights the country's strong digital safety efforts and the supportive environment for young people. Despite this positive outlook, concerns over online threats, such as sextortion and grooming, continue to grow, especially among the Gen Z population.

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India's Digital Well-Being Score

India has emerged as a leader in global digital well-being, ranking highest with a score of 67. This strong performance indicates a high level of trust and support between parents and teenagers. The report highlights that 58% of Indian respondents are satisfied with their online experiences, a significant improvement compared to other nations like the US (53%) and the UK (42%).

Growing Support Networks for Young People

In India, young people benefit from strong support networks, with many having up to 12 trusted sources of guidance, such as parents, teachers, and mentors. This strong foundation contributes to a sense of security in their digital experiences. Additionally, 70% of parents actively monitor their teens' online activities, a notable increase from 62% in 2023. However, there is also a rise in the number of young people seeking support, with 78% of Indian Gen Z users reaching out for help, up from 65% last year.

Rising Threats and Awareness Gaps

Despite the positive support systems, Indian Gen Z users face serious online threats. The report reveals that 71% of Indian respondents experienced sextortion, with 55% of them falling victim to it. A concerning 77% reported losing control of intimate images shared online, and 60% faced grooming attempts. Moreover, there is a critical lack of awareness regarding the legal consequences of sharing explicit content involving minors. Shockingly, 52% of respondents mistakenly believed it was legal not to report such content, and many thought sharing or storing explicit images online was permissible.

India's digital well-being initiatives show significant progress, but the challenges related to online threats and legal awareness remain urgent. Addressing these issues will be crucial in further enhancing the digital safety of young users in India and globally.

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