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Swisscom
This elderly person shows how it’s done: actress Vreni Brun explains the pitfalls of the online world. She herself is on Facebook, TikTok and the like every day.
No time? blue News summarizes it for you
- The Internet also offers older people the opportunity to find information and maintain social contacts.
- Vreni Brun (85) is online every day and appreciates the benefits of the digital world.
- Swisscom supports people from school to old age in the safe use of digital media.
Vreni Brun, which digital devices do you use?
I rarely use my tablet and only use my computer when I need to print something. But I’m often on my cell phone and always buy the latest iPhone to stay informed.
How often do you use digital media?
Every day, if I have time, even several times a day. As an actress, I am often booked for commercials. Once the videos are online, I want to see what the reactions are like. If I see myself in an advertisement or on a poster, I take a photo and post it on my profile.
Your favorite app?
WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok – I like to upload reels and photos myself. And of course, like everyone else, I love the weather app with rain radar and forecast.
«I am online every day. I am careful with my data, choose strong passwords and am suspicious of friend requests.»
Are you always so open to new technologies?
Actually yes. When I completed my commercial training, we worked with typewriters and shorthand. I worked for the federal government and got a computer, a huge box! I was immediately enthusiastic and took courses and further training. Later came the computer mouse, another highlight. Shortly before I retired, I bought my first laptop.
As an actress you appear in Swisscom’s new video about the use of digital media. What benefits do digital media offer you personally?
As an actress, I often travel by public transport. Along the way I check the SBB app to see if we will arrive on time and on which platform the connection is. I wouldn’t like to do without it. Digitization actually only brings me benefits.
What benefits do you see for the elderly?
We can stay in touch with friends and family without leaving home. For me that is not that important, but for elderly people whose children or grandchildren live abroad, seeing each other via video calling is valuable.
Yet there are also risks such as internet fraud, phishing and cybercrime. Do you have any tips on how the elderly, in particular, can protect themselves?
I use strong passwords for my logins, so I don’t do that vreni1234. It’s often small things like this that have a big impact. This includes locking your cell phone or tablet as soon as you put it down so that no one else can use it. To be honest, I’ve only been doing this since Swisscom expert Marcel Curien pointed it out to me during the video recording. I’m also still learning…
Speaking of learning, do you use the Swisscom Campus learning platform to keep yourself informed?
Yes, I enjoy reading the manuals and trying out the tips myself, for example about artificial intelligence. If you feel insecure, you should ask for help. That’s the key.
How do you deal with these risks yourself?
A few days ago I received a message on my mobile phone: “Dear mother, I had an accident…” I immediately recognized it as spam. If I don’t know the sender, I am particularly critical.
What do you wish for the future?
That it doesn’t become more dangerous to be online. I constantly receive spam emails, supposedly from my banks and health insurers. Men chat with me on social media pretending to be wealthy widowers.
Don’t you think you’d fall for that?
No. And I keep reminding my friends not to click on links in emails because they could be spam. Many of my friends only use their cell phones to make calls. I think it is important that young people talk to older people to discuss these things. You have to make people aware of this, especially older people who don’t know much about it yet.
Tips: Safety online
- Protect your personal information online.
- Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
- Recognize and avoid phishing attempts.
- Arrange your digital assets early.
- Detailed information, manuals and videos can be found on Swisscom Campus.
This article was produced in collaboration with Swisscom
Swisscom is committed to environmental, social and economic sustainability: climate protection, sustainable lifestyles and responsible use of digital media. Switzerland’s leading ICT company has already received several awards for its many years of commitment to sustainability and, according to TIME Magazine, is one of the 500 most sustainable companies in the world in 2024. Swisscom Campus offers valuable knowledge and tips about digital media and their use in daily life.
