Digital Readiness of Young People to Interact with the State: Aspects of the Culture of Communication in the Virtual Space of Generation Z

Abstract

This paper is devoted to the study of the digital readiness of representatives of generation Z to interact with public authorities in the aspect of communication skills in the virtual space. This paper provides an overview of the concepts of “digital readiness” and “digital divide,” explores the various components of digital readiness, and analyzes the problem of digital readiness of young people for political participation. The study is based on empirical data obtained from a survey of various Generation Z cohorts (the eldest and the youngest) on topics such as the amount of time per day spent on the Internet, online communication style, the importance of approval of opinions and taking into account one’s own position in decision-making, the importance of likes, attitudes to anonymity on the Internet, trolling, extremist statements, violation of the moral boundaries of the interlocutor on the Internet, as well as themes of basic values and significant resources. Such a study was necessary not only to obtain factual data but also to study the dynamics of the transformation of the Internet communication style of Generation Z. As a result, the team of authors came to the conclusion that young people have a high level of digital readiness in the communicative aspect, but this readiness may vary depending on the skills, knowledge, and specific resources. In order to make it easier for developers of platforms for interaction between youth and public authorities to overcome communication barriers, the DIPENEM affordance model was proposed, which includes the affordances of discussion, perspectives, networking, and moderation. In conclusion, the results of the study are summarized and the prospects for further work are analyzed.