Political disinformation in digital media: its impact on youth and ways to counteract it

The subject of this article is political disinformation in digital media and its complex negative impact on the formation of the political worldview of modern youth. In the context of global digitalization, the subject area encompasses the mechanisms of spreading false information: social media algorithms that contribute to the creation of closed "echo chambers," as well as the use of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, to generate manipulative content. Special attention is given to the informational vulnerability of young people who use social platforms as their primary news source but currently lack sufficient skills for fact-checking. The negative consequences of fake news are analyzed in detail, such as the rise of social polarization, a decrease in trust in state institutions, and risks of radicalization, along with methods of countering this growing informational threat. The methodological basis consists of a comprehensive theoretical analysis of the scientific literature dedicated to disinformation. Methods of summarization, data systematization, and media content analysis were used to assess the impact of the digital environment on the political attitudes of youth. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the substantiated refutation of the widespread stereotype about the absolute apoliticism of modern youth and their disengagement from the political agenda. It has been proven that interest in politics among young people is steadily growing today; however, it is primarily manifested outside traditional party structures, actively relying on digital media as a new tool for civic action. Due to a lack of information filtering skills, young people often find themselves targeted by manipulators and extremist groups. The main conclusion emphasizes the urgent need for a comprehensive response to political disinformation through close collaboration between the state, educational institutions, and technological platforms. A key condition for transforming the internet into a positive factor for the formation of mature political consciousness is identified as the large-scale development of media literacy and critical thinking among the younger generation.