You are about to take the Epstein Digital Hygiene Inventory (or EDHI). Designed by Dr. Robert Epstein (follow on Twitter at @DrREpstein), one of America's most distinguished research psychologists, this is a comprehensive inventory of eleven important skills you and your family need to use computers, mobile phones, tablets, and other new technologies responsibly - to protect your privacy and your data, defeat censorship, and stop Big Tech companies from manipulating you and indoctrinating your children.
The content of the test is based on an extensive body of scientific research summarized in Dr. Epstein's upcoming scientific monograph, Preventing the Misuse of Digital Influence.
Most people are able to complete the questionnaire in less than 30 minutes, and there are no right or wrong answers. Just select the response that seems best. After you answer all the questions, we'll give you a detailed report showing your scores and explaining what they mean. This is just the start; once you know your EDHI scores, there are many avenues you might pursue to improve your "digital hygiene."
If you are conducting research and would like to collect raw data for a group that is taking this test - for a business, research study, classroom activity, or other purpose - please see our Group Testing Instructions
Before we get to the inventory itself, we'll ask you a few basic questions about yourself. Demographic information is being collected for research purposes only and will be kept strictly confidential.
To make sure the scoring is accurate, be sure to fill in all the blanks!
*Required response
For each of the following questions, select the answer that best applies to you.
*1. I avoid downloading files from peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing sites.
Agree
Disagree
*2. If a stranger sends me a link or attachment, I never click it.
Agree
Disagree
*3. I’m aware that my smartphone is probably tracking my location and voice, so I take precautions.
Agree
Disagree
*4. I’m aware of special operating systems I could use to protect my privacy on laptop and desktop computers.
Agree
Disagree
*5. In general, I try to avoid giving an app access to my microphone, location, calendar, photos, or other phone content.
Agree
Disagree
*6. I deactivate social media accounts I no longer use.
Agree
Disagree
*7. I avoid using Android devices, because Android is an aggressive surveillance system.
Agree
Disagree
*8. Even if I never created a social media account, I know that social media companies have created them for me (“shadow profiles”).
Agree
Disagree
*9. I sometimes add fake information to my social media to protect my privacy.
Agree
Disagree
*10. I avoid using the Google search engine because it aggressively tracks my search activity.
Agree
Disagree
*11. I regularly clear all my browsing data (e.g., history, cookies, and cache) throughout the day.
Agree
Disagree
*12. I’m aware that mobile devices (such as phones and tablets) can listen in on me even they’re turned off.
Agree
Disagree
*13. I know how to use anti-malware and anti-virus apps on my devices, and I use them regularly.
Agree
Disagree
*14. I have my devices set so that my data backs up automatically.
Agree
Disagree
*15. I avoid sharing my password with others.
Agree
Disagree
*16. I always block social media accounts that make me feel uneasy or unsafe.
Agree
Disagree
*17. Whenever possible, I use a VPN when making an online transaction.
Agree
Disagree
*18. I regularly update my antivirus software.
Agree
Disagree
*19. I try to limit how much my family and friends post about me online.
Agree
Disagree
*20. I always use a search engine that protects my privacy.
Agree
Disagree
*21. I always review the privacy policies of my IPAs.
Agree
Disagree
*22. I avoid using products that have microphones or cameras installed (e.g., Nest thermostats, the Ring doorbell, or smart speakers).
Agree
Disagree
*23. I regularly delete apps I don’t need or use.
Agree
Disagree
*24. I am aware that biased answers given by personal assistants can be used to influence my thinking or behavior without my knowledge.
Agree
Disagree
*25. I try to avoid sharing information with personal assistants.
Agree
Disagree
*26. I avoid using Google or Facebook to sign into other apps or websites.
Agree
Disagree
*27. I have nothing to hide, so I don’t care whether companies are tracking me online.
Agree
Disagree
*28. I avoid posting on social media while in an emotional state.
Agree
Disagree
*29. I download apps when urged to do so by companies and websites.
Agree
Disagree
*30. I am aware that private browsing modes usually do not protect my privacy.
Agree
Disagree
*31. I often double-check the truth of news info I see on my social media.
Agree
Disagree
*32. I often use an email that has end-to-end encryption so only my contact and I know what it says.
Agree
Disagree
*33. I always use an ad blocker when I surf the web.
Agree
Disagree
*34. I always turn off the personal assistants on my devices (e.g., Alexa, Cortana, Siri, Google Assistant, etc.) so they don’t spy on me.
Agree
Disagree
*35. To increase my privacy, I sometimes turn off my device’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections when I’m not using them.
Agree
Disagree
*36. I'm worried about how companies are using my personal data.
Agree
Disagree
*37. I know how to adjust firewall settings on my devices to protect my privacy.
Agree
Disagree
*38. I often fact-check the information I’m shown in search results.
Agree
Disagree
*39. I have researched my VPN to determine if it has a good track record and has shown trustworthy business practices in the past.
Agree
Disagree
*40. Before I install an app, I check its reviews and privacy policy to make sure it’s safe.
Agree
Disagree
*41. I only download files from people or places I trust.
Agree
Disagree
*42. If my device is not encrypted by default, I make sure to encrypt it.
Agree
Disagree
*43. I only install security programs that are trusted and well-reviewed.
Agree
Disagree
*44. In online social media postings, I try to reveal as little personal information about me as I can.
Agree
Disagree
*45. I make copies of important messages and emails.
Agree
Disagree
*46. I avoid using Android devices because they track people aggressively and because they are susceptible to malware attacks.
Agree
Disagree
*47. I try to stay up to date with ways I can protect my digital privacy.
Agree
Disagree
*48. My social media account settings are always set to private.
Agree
Disagree
*49. I’m almost always connected to a trusted VPN when I surf the web.
Agree
Disagree
*50. I avoid connecting my virtual assistant to other smart devices in my home.
Agree
Disagree
*51. I use a guest account for day-to-day activities and an administrative account only for administrative tasks.
Agree
Disagree
*52. I avoid using the Chrome browser because it aggressively tracks everything I do.
Agree
Disagree
*53. My devices always have a unique and strong password.
Agree
Disagree
*54. I update my operating system in a timely fashion.
Agree
Disagree
*55. I avoid divulging sensitive information when I know I’m near a personal assistant such as Alexa.
Agree
Disagree
*56. I only accept friend requests from people I know.
Agree
Disagree
*57. When connected to public Wi-Fi (at an airport, for example, or at McDonald’s or Starbucks), I always use a VPN to protect my privacy.
Agree
Disagree
*58. I’m aware that most privacy policies allow companies to retain all of my personal information indefinitely.
Agree
Disagree
*59. In online social media postings, I try not to reveal my location.
Agree
Disagree
*60. I have a plan to recover my data if it is lost.
Agree
Disagree
*61. I check to see how an app uses my data before I download it.
Agree
Disagree
*62. I always use a VPN when downloading content that is sensitive or suspect in some way.
Agree
Disagree
*63. If I have to email sensitive information, I sometimes lock the file with a password.
Agree
Disagree
*64. I know how to use special apps (such as Signal) to make secure voice and video calls.
Agree
Disagree
*65. I know where to find secure apps that protect my privacy.
Agree
Disagree
*66. I install browser plugins or extensions only when I know they’re safe.
Agree
Disagree
*67. I often use secure messaging apps such as Signal to send text messages.
Agree
Disagree
*68. I regularly change the default passwords on my devices.
Agree
Disagree
*69. I know where I can buy a secure phone that protects my privacy.
Agree
Disagree
*70. I always take time to review privacy policies and terms of service.
Agree
Disagree
*71. Trying to protect your privacy online is pointless because tech companies will always find ways to track you.
Agree
Disagree
*72. I typically delay updating my computer and mobile devices.
Agree
Disagree
*73. I’m aware that Apple products generally protect people’s privacy, but that the company also collects data that authorities can access.
Agree
Disagree
*74. Personal data I share online can be used by companies to change how I think and behave.
Agree
Disagree
*75. I don’t immediately trust a search result just because it's at the top of the page.
Agree
Disagree
*76. I avoid clicking on sponsored search results.
Agree
Disagree
*77. I avoid disclosing personal information to chatbots and virtual assistants, no matter how human they sound.
Agree
Disagree
*78. I make sure that my video calling app doesn’t collect or monitor my activities, metadata, or images.
Agree
Disagree
*79. When I have the option to tell my browser or search engine not to personalize the content it shows me, I always pick that option.
Agree
Disagree
*80. I opt out of being shown advertisements whenever possible.
Agree
Disagree
*81. I regularly use a browser (e.g., Brave or Tor) that protects my privacy.
Agree
Disagree
*82. I am aware that generative AI tools can convincingly fabricate voices, photographs, and videos.
Agree
Disagree
*83. I regularly backup my data.
Agree
Disagree
*84. I’m aware of special operating systems for smartphones that protect my privacy.
Agree
Disagree
*85. I store copies of my data outside of my personal devices, such as in the Cloud or on an external storage device.
Agree
Disagree
*86.To protect my privacy, I avoid using biometrics to lock my devices.
Agree
Disagree
*87. I store my data back-ups in multiple locations.
Agree
Disagree
*88. I sometimes test my VPN for privacy leaks.
Agree
Disagree
*89. I don’t back-up my data because it’s unlikely I’ll lose it.
Agree
Disagree
*90. I am aware that biased search engine results can influence my beliefs and behavior without my knowledge.
Agree
Disagree
*91. I encrypt my back-ups to protect myself from malware.
Agree
Disagree
*92. Each of my accounts has a different password that is strong and unique.
Agree
Disagree
*93. I always reject nonessential cookies on the sites I visit.
Agree
Disagree
*94. I avoid using jailbroken phones due to security concerns.
Agree
Disagree
*95. When possible, I use two-factor authentication when I login to apps.
Agree
Disagree
*96. I use a VPN when accessing work-related files.
Agree
Disagree
*97. I regularly change my email password.
Agree
Disagree
*98. I am aware that biased search suggestions can influence my beliefs and behavior without my knowledge.
Agree
Disagree
*99. If I’m communicating with a chatbot such as ChatGPT, I never reveal any private information.
Agree
Disagree
*100. I don’t trust tech companies to keep my data safe.
Agree
Disagree
*101. I avoid using smart devices (e.g., Fitbit, which is owned and monitored by Google) that are linked to the internet.
Agree
Disagree
*102. I’m skeptical about answers I get from IPAs and chatbots.
Agree
Disagree
*103. I always verify any information a personal assistant gives me.
Agree
Disagree
*104. The more frequently I change my data, the more frequently I back it up.
Agree
Disagree
*105. I have installed trusted VPN software onto my mobile devices.
Agree
Disagree
*106. I avoid installing illegally pirated software because it might install malware on my computer.
Agree
Disagree
*107. When I’m surfing the internet, I avoid clicking on suspicious links and websites.
Agree
Disagree
*108. I sometimes use browser add-ons that enhance my privacy by blocking trackers.
Agree
Disagree
*109. I keep my device’s camera covered when not in use.
Agree
Disagree
*110. To protect my privacy, I do most of my browsing on laptop or desktop computers rather than on mobile devices.
Agree
Disagree
*111. I only update an app when I’m sure it’s safe to do so.
Agree
Disagree
*112. The cost of securing my data is worth it.
Agree
Disagree
*113. I avoid using home security systems that are linked to the internet.
Agree
Disagree
*114. If I found a flash drive, I would not plug it into my computer because I know the flash drive could damage it.
Agree
Disagree
*115. I limit my time spent on online social networks.
Agree
Disagree
*116. I enable the setting on my VPN that will disconnect me from the internet in case the VPN fails.
Agree
Disagree
*117. I have researched what my VPN protects me from, and what it does not protect me from.
Agree
Disagree
