Digital Behavior of Adolescents and Youth: a Comparative Analysis of a Russian Sample

Introduction. The digital information environment is characterized by significant diversity and can perform a wide range of functions: from a space for identity formation and social assessment in adolescence to a tool for solving practical problems and maintaining social inclusion in youth and adulthood. However, to date, there is a lack of research devoted to specific aspects of young people's information behavior and strategies for its implementation.

Objective. To study the motives for information behavior in different age groups.

Materials and methods. This article examines the results of a comparative analysis of information behavior in different age groups. The sample consisted of 456 individuals aged 13 to 25 (80% women). The author's "Information Behavior Strategies" methodology (Abakumova et al) was used to study the characteristics of information behavior. Comparative analysis was carried out using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests with Dunn's post hoc pairwise comparison test and Holm's multiple comparison correction.

Results.  The results showed that the intensity of internet use motives varies by age and gender. The younger group (13–15 years) exhibited greater intensity of information behavior across most of the studied indicators. It was also found that younger age groups were characterized by a pronounced focus on social, communicative, and entertaining forms of activity, while with age, a pragmatic focus on online use increased ("Internet for information search/preparation": F = 28.733; p < 0.001). Furthermore, the female group demonstrated a more consistent interest in user-generated content and online shopping, while communicative motives were significantly higher in the younger group for both boys and girls (p < 0.05).

Discussion. The findings are generally consistent with the concept of age-related dynamics of information behavior. The higher intensity of internet use in younger groups may be associated with the development of self-regulation and cognitive control. Gender differences reflect consistent patterns of digital socialization: girls show greater engagement with social and commercial content, while boys tend to engage in more specialized and, in some cases, destructive forms of activity. The results highlight the need to consider age and gender factors when analyzing digital behavior.

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