The Effect of Entertainment Media on Mental Models of Computer Security

The Effect of Entertainment Media on Mental Models of Computer Security

Explore the impact of entertainment media on people's mental models of computer security in this 21-minute conference talk from USENIX SOUPS 2019. Discover how fictional portrayals in television and film shape users' understanding of cybersecurity threats and defenses. Learn about common misconceptions aligned with fictional tropes, and examine the proxies people use to evaluate realism in media depictions. Gain insights from a semi-structured interview study investigating what users learn about computer security from mass media. Consider recommendations for security researchers and content creators on improving public understanding of computer security concepts and behaviors.