DIGITAL INFORMATION-IDEOLOGICAL THREATS AND THE TRANSFORMATION OF YOUTH POLITICAL CULTURE IN CENTRAL ASIA

Abstract

This thesis examines the influence of digital information and ideological threats on the formation of political culture among young people in Central Asian states. The rapid expansion of social networks, online media, messaging platforms, and digital communication has fundamentally changed the sources and mechanisms of political socialization. Alongside opportunities for political awareness, civic participation, and access to diverse viewpoints, the digital environment creates conditions for misinformation, disinformation, manipulative narratives, polarization, hate speech, and other forms of ideological influence. The study focuses on three interconnected dimensions of youth political culture: political knowledge and attitudes, institutional trust, and civic engagement. Particular attention is paid to the role of digital media as an agent of political socialization and to the ability of young people to critically evaluate political information. The study argues that strengthening media and information literacy, critical thinking, and civic education can increase young people's resilience to harmful information and support the development of a responsible, stable, and participatory political culture.