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DIGITAL SOCIALIZATION IN MODERN RUSSIA: INTERREGIONAL COMPARISONS

E. Morozova, N. Plotichkina, I. Samarkina

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to identify and explain regional differences in digital socialization indicators in modern Russia. Our study is based on Manuel Castell’s concept of digital society, T. Druckrey’s theory of electronic (digital) culture, on the model of digital socialization proposed by O. Soldatova and A. Sharikov’s model of digital literacy. The empirical basis of the research comprises the analysis of data from nationwide surveys, as well as the database of the research “Ecosystem of Network Public Administration: Assessing the Availability of the Network Environment to Use Innovative Practices” carried out by the scientists of Kuban State University resorting to interregional comparisons. Digital socialization is explicated as the process of citizens’ adaptation to new conditions of electronic interaction and online participation, which involves assimilating the civic culture of digital society. Effective results reached in the sphere of digital socialization correlate with the level of digital literacy estimated on the basis of three sub-indexes: digital consumption, digital competence and digital security. The research has revealed significant regional differences in the indicators in the sphere of digital consumption and digital competences. The indicators in macro-regions are three times as high. The gap between digital security and digital literacy indicators is not as radical. The authors analyze and explain regional disproportions in digital socializing processes as well as the specifics of digital literacy sub-indexes development in the Russian Federation. High rates correlate with the high level of fixed Internet coverage, social networks use and a significant number of registered online media in the regions.

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