Teenagers’ Digital Security: Sociological Analysis

Introduction. The growing amount of personal data posted by users about themselves and other people on social media platforms, the intensification of user-generated content collection for machine learning determines the relevance of the research. The impact of new digital tools on users’ online safety strategies needs to be scrutinized. The focus of the work is on adolescents, who represent one of the most risky groups. The aim of the study is to determine teenagers’ perceptions of concerns related to their personal data and to compare them in two different Russian regions. Materials and Methods. The empirical base is represented by the data of a sociological study conducted in 2023–2024 by online survey among schoolchildren of grades 8–11 in two Russian regions – the Republic of Mordovia and the Donetsk People’s Republic. The sample is quota-based, representing each of the regions separately. Results. Nearly half of respondents have some concerns about the collection of personal data. Most of them have negative attitudes towards their data and content being exposed to large datasets and used for machine learning. Teenagers fear that their data will be used for criminal purposes as well as financial loss. They believe that the surest way to ensure digital security is not to share their personal data unless it is necessary. Discussion and Conclusion. The materials of the article can be used to develop educational programs and practical recommendations aimed at improving digital literacy and formation of conscious practices of personal data protection among teenagers. This is especially important in the current conditions of hybrid warfare and the spread of fraudulent activities in virtual space.