European Youth and Digital Engagement: Attitudes, Skills, and Civic Participation

Abstract This study investigates the attitudes of young individuals aged 15–35 years toward digital communication, with a focus on digital skills, citizenship, and civic engagement. Utilising data from the European Social Survey (ESS) round 10 (2020), the research explores variations across over 30 European countries, examining responses to the ESS’s rotating module on “Digital social contacts in work and family life.” Key questions, such as exposure to misinformation and online political engagement, are analysed to uncover factors influencing young Europeans’ perceptions of information and communication technology (ICT). The study explores digital scepticism, optimism, and digital skills, linking them to civic participation and socio-demographic factors. Statistical analysis, including chi-square tests and multiple regression analysis, identifies predictors and disparities among countries. Correspondence analysis dissects interrelationships among categories, constructing plots to showcase proximity between factors. Evaluating Internet accessibility, civic engagement, and connectivity issues, the study also compares data with the prior ESS round (round 9, 2018) to assess changes over the past 4 years. Through empirical investigation, this study sheds light on young Europeans’ perspectives on ICT, offering valuable insights into the complex interplay between digital communication, civic engagement, and beneficial Internet time.