THE INFLUENCE OF DIGITAL LIFESTYLE ON THE SOCIAL-PSYCHOLOGICAL ADAPTATION OF YOUTH

Abstract

Purpose: analysis of the influence of digital lifestyle on the socio-psychological adaptation of youth, as well as identification of the main factors that contribute to or hinder this process. Materials and methods. To achieve the goal, the following methods were used in the work: statistical analysis and survey (when studying the role of the virtual environment in the process of youth socialization); comparison and analogy (when assessing the influence of social networks on the psychological state of youth); systematization and classification (when identifying the main negative and positive aspects of digital lifestyle that affect youth adaptation). The study used materials from the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, scientific developments of scientists in this field, and the results of a survey of students at the Odessa National Medical University. Results. The study revealed that the most active users of Internet services are the young generation, which widely uses digital platforms for communication, learning, creativity, and the realization of their interests. The positive and negative aspects of the influence of social networks on the psychological state of youth were considered. The Internet space allows young people to be more integrated into society and pay more attention to the development of civic consciousness. One of the negative aspects is the manipulative influence of advertising, which contributes to the creation of consumer culture and the formation of stereotypes, and imposes social standards. Cyberstalking and cyberbullying pose even more negativity and threats to the socio-psychological adaptation of youth. The result of the study was the development of recommendations to minimize the negative impact of digital technologies on the socio-psychological adaptation of youth. Conclusions. Reducing the negative consequences of the impact of digital technologies on the socio-psychological adaptation of youth and promoting the harmonious development of the personality is possible by following the following recommendations: regulating time spent in the digital environment; developing critical thinking skills; forming real social connections; conscious consumption of content; maintaining mental health; information security and digital literacy; supporting education and self-development.