Are Young People Getting Lazy With Passwords — And Is That a Big Risk?
Gen Z and the Password Problem
Recent research has revealed a surprising trend: younger people, especially Generation Z, often use weaker passwords than older generations. The most common Gen Z passwords include simple sequences like “12345” or even the word “password.” Some playful picks, such as “skibidi,” have also appeared repeatedly.
It’s not just about simplicity. Many young people reuse the same password across multiple sites, a habit that increases vulnerability. In 2025, surveys found that nearly three-quarters of Gen Z respondents admitted to reusing passwords, compared with less than half of Baby Boomers. Even when they know the risks, convenience often wins.
Why Weak Passwords Are a Real Risk
Passwords are your first line of defense online, and weak or reused passwords can open the door to scams and identity theft. Hackers often use “credential stuffing,” trying passwords from one breach across multiple sites. This means a single weak password can compromise banking, email, and social media accounts at once.
“Password fatigue” also plays a role. People now juggle dozens of accounts — email, social media, streaming, shopping, and banking. Keeping track of unique, strong passwords for all of them can feel overwhelming. The easiest solution often seems to be repeating the same password, but that convenience comes at a real cost.
Is Gen Z Ignoring Security? Not Exactly
It’s easy to assume young people are careless, but the reality is more nuanced. Many are aware of password risks. Gen Z is actually more likely than older generations to use modern security solutions like two-factor authentication, biometrics, and passkeys.
What we’re seeing isn’t necessarily laziness; it’s a balancing act between convenience and security. But prioritizing simplicity over safety leaves accounts exposed.
The Consequences of Weak Passwords
Reusing simple passwords can have serious repercussions:
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Compromised email or social media accounts
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Identity theft or financial fraud
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Easier phishing attacks and scams targeting your personal information
In short, weak passwords are like leaving the front door unlocked. Hackers already have the tools to find the keys, and many people unwittingly hand them over.
How to Protect Yourself — Without Losing Your Mind
Good news: improving your password hygiene doesn’t have to be painful. Experts recommend:
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Using a password manager to generate and store unique, complex passwords.
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Enabling two-factor authentication or passkeys wherever possible.
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Avoiding obvious sequences like “123456” or the word “password.”
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Updating passwords regularly, especially after known breaches.
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Treating each account with a unique password — even if it’s inconvenient at first.
A little effort now can save a lot of headaches later.
The Bottom Line
Being tech-savvy doesn’t automatically mean being cyber-savvy. Gen Z may be digital natives, but password habits still need attention. With data breaches, scams, and identity theft on the rise, weak or reused passwords are a serious risk.
By taking small steps — using password managers, updating credentials, and enabling two-factor authentication — you can protect your accounts without sacrificing convenience. Good password habits aren’t just smart; they’re essential in today’s digital world.
