UDC 342.8-052+323-042.3:004
DOI 10.20339/AM.06-26.069
Olga A. Nemova, PhD, Docent, Associate Professor, Department of Philosophy and Social Sciences, Mininsky University, Nizhny Novgorod, AuthorID: 394291, SPIN: 5901-3417, e-mail: nhl_@list.ru
Svetlana M. Maltseva, PhD (Philosophy), Associate Professor of the Department of General Education and Professional Disciplines, Nizhny Novgorod Institute of Railways — Branch of the Volga State University of Railways, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7273-1852, AuthorID: 736254, SPIN: 9502-6593, e-mail: maltsewasvetlana@yandex.ru
Alice A. Mezentseva, Student of the Department of Professional Education and Management of Educational Systems at Mininsky University, Nizhny Novgorod, e-mail: alicamezenczeva@yandex.ru
The article examines the socio-political and communicative features of the participation of the younger generation in political life in the context of the digital transformation of society. The central focus is on analyzing the impact of social media on the level and forms of civic engagement among young voters. The research is based on theoretical methods (analysis, systematization), empirical method (conducting a survey among young voters) and descriptive statistical methods for processing the data obtained. Based on a theoretical review and empirical research (survey of respondents aged 18–35 years) The key barriers preventing the transition from online activity to offline participation are identified, among them fear for personal safety, perception of inefficiency of traditional forms of participation, and distrust of political institutions. At the same time, the conditions under which social networks can act not as a space of illusory engagement, but as a resource for increasing real civic engagement are being determined. The conclusion is drawn about the dual nature of digital participation: on the one hand, it reflects a crisis of confidence in institutional policy, on the other hand, it contains the potential for the formation of new, flexible and secure forms of civic action. Practical recommendations are formulated on the use of social networks to translate the online interest of young people into sustainable political participation.
Keywords: youth, political participation, social media, digital activism, civic engagement, online-offline gap, fear for personal safety, political socialization
References
1. Malkevich, A.A. Social Networks as a Factor in the Political Socialization of Youth: From Hierarchy to a Network Model. Vestnik of Moscow University. Series 12. Political Science. 2019. No. 6. Pp. 88–97.
2. Volkov, D., & Goncharov, S. The Russian Media Landscape 2019: Television, Press, Internet, and Social Networks. Moscow: Yuri Levada Analytical Center, 2019. URL: https://www.academia.edu/40383094/Российский_медиа_ландшафт_2019_телевидение_пресса_интернет_и_социальные_сети (accessed on: 20.10.2025).
3. Gorshkov, M.K., Sheregi, F.E. Russian Youth in the Mirror of Sociology. Results of Long-Term Research. Moscow: FNISTs RAS, 2020. 688 pp. https://doi.org/10.19181/monogr.978-5-89697-325-6.2020
4. Belikova, E.A., Zlotnikova, E.V., Nitskevich, V.F., & Stroev, V.V. Political Activism Among Youth in Electoral Participation in Russia. Moscow, 2023. 357 pp.
5. Murtazin, R.A. Forms of Political Participation by Contemporary Youth in Russian Political Life. Innovative Science. 2024. Vol. 2. No. 11-1. Pp. 140–142.
6. Khoroshavina, O.N. The Influence of the Digital Media Space on Youth Political Activism. Young Scientist. 2024. No. 52 (551). Pp. 184–187.
7. Nemova, O.A., & Svadbina, T.V. The Experience of Intergenerational Transmission of Core Values as a Factor in Fostering Solidarity in Russian Society. Scientific Notes of the V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University. Sociology. Pedagogy. Psychology. 2024. Vol. 10 (76). No. 3. Pp. 13–28.
8. Volchegorskaya, E.Yu., Fortygina, S.N., Zinoviev, V.P. Flexible social skills as the foundation of cross-functional competencies. Vestnik of Minin University. 2025. Vol. 13. No. 3. P. 2. https://doi.org/10.26795/2307-1281-2025-13-3-2
.png)
