Johannesburg: From video calls to exchanging memes, digital communication has become an essential part of family life.According to African Press Organization, a recent survey by Kaspersky highlights how families are increasingly relying on technology to maintain connections. The survey found that 86% of global participants use messaging apps to communicate with their families, 58% engage in regular video calls, and 44% have joint streaming service accounts. In South Africa, these numbers are even higher, with 91% using messaging apps, 68% participating in video calls, and 53% sharing streaming accounts.Communication in the digital sphere is reshaping not only how families interact but also how they spend quality time together. The survey conducted by Kaspersky reveals patterns of modern family life in the digital age and uncovers the cybersecurity challenges that accompany this shift. Messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal are popular choices for family communication, especially among the 35- 54 age group, with 89% globally opting for this method.According to the survey, exchanging memes and social media posts is another popular way for families to stay connected, with 53% globally and 51% in South Africa engaging in this trend. The younger demographic, aged 18-34, leads this trend with a 58% participation rate, highlighting the role of humor and shared cultural references in family bonding.However, the survey warns that increased online connectivity demands heightened awareness of digital safety practices. The older generation, while becoming more digitally engaged, remains vulnerable to cyber threats. Education on online safety and secure gadget use is crucial for protecting older family members.Even advanced users face cybersecurity risks, such as phishing attempts and social engineering attacks. To protect personal communication channels, Kaspersky experts recommend enabling two-factor authentication, using complex passwords, remaining cautious of unexpected links, and employing reliable security solutions with anti-phishing protection.The survey also reveals that 70% of families worldwide and 78% in South Africa enjoy watching movies together, with many opting for joint streaming accounts. While sharing accounts may seem cost-effective, it introduces potential security vulnerabilities. If one device is compromised, hackers could gain access to the entire account. Password reuse across platforms further increases the risk of exposing sensitive data. Kaspersky advises using a password manager to securely manage family passwords.'As our family life moves more and more online, it opens up amazing ways to stay close and create memories - but it also brings new risks, like scams and hacking. Kids and older relatives can be especially at risk, so looking out for each other online is really important. Protecting your digital privacy and using cybersecurity measures is an important way to care for your loved ones and keep your family safe,' commented Marina Titova, Vice President for Consumer Bus iness at Kaspersky.The study, conducted by Kaspersky's market research center in November 2025, involved 3000 respondents from 15 countries, including Argentina, Chile, China, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, UK, and United Arab Emirates.