The Value Bases of Digital Political Participation of Modern Russian Youth: Results of Empirical Research

Modern megalopolises are special socio-economic agglomerations in which the quality of life, comfortable urban environment, infrastructure development, high level of information technology and Internet accessibility create an attractive image of the territories for the younger generation. The conditions of communication and socialization of the urban environment in a modern megalopolis are determined by the high level of digitalization, speed and volume of information flows. All these factors influence the value orientations and political preferences of young citizens. The influence of digitalization on the formation of political norms, values and forms of political participation among the younger generation determines the relevance of the study. The purpose of the study is to identify the relationship between the value preferences of young people, the degree of inclusion in network communications and digital forms of political participation. The methodological basis of the study was the value concepts of R. Inglehart, M. Rokeach, the theory of civic culture of G.A. Almond and S. Verba, the theory of value schisms of S.M. Lipset - S. Rokkan. The empirical basis of the study was the results of an online survey of young people in large cities of the Russian Federation. Multivariate analysis methods allowed us to identify the connection between the model of political participation using digital technologies and the types of value orientations of urban youth. The results of the cluster analysis revealed two politically active groups that have different ideological and value vectors of activity. The basis for the divisions between the two segments is the axis with individualistic and collectivist poles, which are combined with liberal and conservative value priorities.