Digital literacy as a tool for preventing youth involvement in religious sects

The research considers the pressing issue of preventing the influence of religious sects on youth through social networks. Particular attention is paid to the development of digital literacy among young people as a tool to counteract this phenomenon. Destructive groups on the internet often use manipulative techniques to recruit new members. Modern research shows that young people with critical information analysis skills are less likely to succumb to the influence of sects. We analyze the correlation between the level of digital literacy among youth and their resilience to the manipulative practices of religious sects on social networks. Examined key skills include the ability to recognize manipulative techniques, assess the reliability of sources, and understand the principles of social media algorithms. It is important to develop critical thinking among young people to help them resist the emotional influence used by religious sects to recruit new members. Based on an analysis of successful foreign and Russian educational practices, recommendations are provided for the development and implementation of digital literacy modules in university curricula. Such measures enhance young people's resilience to destructive influences. They also foster conscious and responsible behavior in the digital environment. The research materials can be used in preventive work with young people aimed at reducing the influence of destructive groups.