Formation of Youth Political Culture in the Context of Digitalization and the Impact of Global Innovative Technologies

Abstract

In the context of the digitalization of Ukrainian society, the political culture of youth is undergoing significant changes that affect the level of civic engagement and the awareness of political positions. The relevance of this research is determined by the fact that the formation of critically thinking and responsible young people is a key factor in the stability of democratic institutions and citizens’ ability to engage in collective actions within socio-political processes. The aim of this study is to systematically identify the main factors of youth political culture, analyze the interconnections between technological, educational, sociocultural, and political influences, and assess socio-demographic and regional differences in levels of activity and participation.The research methods include the analysis of scientific sources, content analysis of digital media and social platforms, expert evaluation, and comparative analysis of socio-demographic characteristics of youth activity. The use of both quantitative and qualitative approaches allowed for the assessment of the interaction of technological, educational, sociocultural, and political factors that shape political beliefs and the readiness to participate in public life. The results showed that digitalization opens new opportunities for youth participation in volunteer, civic, and political initiatives, while simultaneously increasing the risks of disinformation. Significant differentiation in activity levels was identified among socio-demographic groups, highlighting the need for regionally oriented programs to develop critical thinking and civic awareness. The conclusions indicate that youth political culture is formed as a systemic process of interaction between technological, educational, sociocultural, and political factors. The practical significance of the results lies in their potential use for developing state and civic strategies to increase engagement, strengthen trust in institutions, and support social solidarity among the younger generation.