Generation Z is leading the charge in adopting Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), and for good reason. While younger generations may have normalized VPN use as a lifestyle tool, cybersecurity experts say this trend should extend to all ages. The core benefit isn’t just about bypassing geo-restrictions; it’s about reclaiming some control over your digital footprint in an age where online privacy is increasingly under threat.
The Rise of VPNs Among Gen Z
A recent CNET survey shows that 50% of Gen Zers and millennials use a VPN, compared to 43% of US adults overall. This isn’t a coincidence. Younger generations grew up as “digital natives,” accustomed to seamless access to content and a high degree of online mobility. For them, a VPN isn’t a niche cybersecurity tool—it’s another essential app.
John Coursen, Chief Information Security Officer at Fortify Cyber, explains that Gen Z’s comfort with technology plays a key role: “They work from laptops and phones all over the place, and using a VPN has become part of that lifestyle.” This makes sense. In a world where remote work and constant connectivity are standard, VPNs address practical issues like accessing streaming content while traveling or maintaining a consistent online experience across borders.
Why Privacy Matters: The Hidden Costs of Free Internet
The primary driver behind VPN adoption is the growing awareness of how much personal data is collected online. Internet browsers may be “free,” but that comes at a cost. According to Coursen, “Google didn’t come out with Chrome and give it away for free because they wanted to be the most generous company in the world.” The business model is data collection, and VPNs help limit how much information is exposed.
Even simple browsing habits can be tracked through DNS (Domain Name System) data, which records every website visited. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and data brokers monetize this information, making VPNs a tool for resisting this surveillance. While a VPN won’t make you anonymous, it hides this DNS traffic, making it harder for third parties to profile your activity.
The Evolving Threat Landscape: AI and Cybersecurity
The stakes are rising. Artificial intelligence is now being used to analyze massive datasets of personal information, making targeted attacks and data breaches more efficient than ever. As Coursen points out, “The bad guys are using AI almost better than the good guys right now.” Reducing the amount of data available to attackers, therefore, becomes critical.
Using a VPN doesn’t eliminate all risks, but it levels the playing field. It makes you less of an easy target by obscuring your location and browsing activity. Coursen likens it to “being the fastest person when you’re running away from a bear.” It’s not foolproof, but it improves your odds.
VPNs are More Accessible Than Ever
The adoption of VPNs has been accelerated by their increasing reliability and affordability. Previously reserved for IT professionals, VPNs now cost as little as $6 to $15 per month, with annual plans available for even less. This makes them accessible to anyone looking to enhance their basic cyber hygiene.
Ultimately, a VPN is just one piece of the puzzle. Cybersecurity requires a layered approach, including antivirus software, strong passwords, and cautious sharing of personal information. But in an age where online privacy is under constant pressure, using a VPN is a simple, effective way to reclaim some control over your digital life.
