Cyber Fraud Awareness in Digital Social Environments: A Correlational Study Among University Students

Abstract

The proliferation of digital technologies has introduced unprecedented convenience but has also created a fertile ground for online fraud, making university students a particularly vulnerable demographic. This study employed a descriptive correlational design to investigate the relationship between online fraud awareness and social interaction among 381 students at Zhengzhou University of Economics and Business. Using a researcher-made questionnaire grounded in the Technology Threat Avoidance Theory and Social Engagement Theory, the research assessed students' perceptions of online fraud and their social behaviors. The findings revealed a high level of online fraud awareness among students, with no significant differences found across gender, age, or year level. However, a critical disconnect was identified between a general knowledge of cyber threats and a personal sense of susceptibility. The data also highlighted a complex relationship with social interaction: while high self-efficacy acted as a protective factor, fostering a positive social life, a heightened perception of threat was negatively correlated with the quality of social interactions. The study concludes that effective security interventions must be holistic, addressing psychological biases and behavioral habits in addition to technical knowledge. Based on these findings, the paper recommends a multi-faceted action plan that includes personalized educational strategies, user-friendly security solutions, peer-to-peer support networks, and initiatives to build psychological resilience.