Phishing scams on social media: An evaluation of cyber awareness education on impact and effectiveness

Abstract

The threat of phishing scams is rising, with increasingly deceptive techniques targeting social media platforms such as Instagram. Many users remain unaware of these risks, leaving them vulnerable. However, little research explores the impact of phishing education on social media, particularly Instagram. This study surveyed 73 Instagram users regarding their awareness of phishing scams and anti-phishing education. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics, linear regression, and content analysis to assess the perceived usefulness of phishing education and factors influencing engagement. Results indicate that phishing education enhances digital literacy, which users find valuable for their Instagram safety. Those who had completed training reported it as beneficial, regardless of the time since training. However, barriers such as time constraints and perceptions that training is boring or irrelevant were noted. The study discusses potential implications, including compulsory training and the use of digital nudges and micro-training to increase user awareness and engagement.