The influence of the social environment on the development of critical thinking skills in young people: A study in the city of Durres, Albania

Critical thinking is an essential skill for individuals, especially young people, enabling them to analyze and evaluate information to make informed decisions. Young people who are able to make informed decisions have the opportunity to improve their future and contribute to a better society. In Albania, the level of development of young people's critical thinking skills, according to the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), is very low. In this context, this work aims to explore the social environments that influence the development of critical thinking in young people. The study employed quantitative and qualitative approaches, as well as an analysis of secondary data extracted from similar studies. The quantitative method consists of the analysis of a questionnaire that was completed by 260 young people from 15–30 years of age. The study data show that schools, society, and social media play a very important role in the development of young people's critical thinking skills. The data confirmed that the socioeconomic status of families influences critical thinking abilities. This highlights the importance of supporting young people from all walks of life to ensure that they all have the opportunity to develop critical thinking, regardless of social background. The findings of this study are important for understanding and fostering the development of critical thinking skills in young people. This research supports teachers, parents, policymakers, researchers, and others in their efforts.