Social practices and socio-psychological characteristics of Generation Z (Based on the results of focus group research)

The article examines the characteristics of “digital children” from the perspective of the theories of generations by Neil Howe and William Strauss, presents a modern interpretation of the theory in the works of domestic and foreign researchers. In domestic science, the characteristics of the digital generation are studied from the point of view of the psychological characteristics of representatives of the generation and the pedagogical influence on them, taking into account the informatization of educational institutions, the introduction of distance learning. This generation is characterized by a new - digital - type of socialization, which means the influence of the Internet technology and the virtual environment on the formation of values and attitudes, social practices of young people. Generation Z is a superior generation in many ways. It is the largest, most ethnically diverse and financially influential generation in human history. In the coming years, their characteristics will determine the formation of world culture, economy and politics. The youth of Generation Z inherits the degree of development of society, forms the image of the future, and is considered as the potential for the life of society. Due to insufficient practical development of this issue, there is a need for a systematic approach to studying the specific features of Generation Z, not only within the framework of the socio-psychological environment, but also the motives of their activities in political and socioeconomic systems, behavior patterns and features of their socialization. To examine the socio-psychological characteristics of the studied generation, the authors conducted a focus group study. In the study, the authors identified nine blocks for qualitative analysis: (1) characteristics of Generation Z; (2) relationship with parents; (3) leisure activities of Generation Z; (4) communication in network communities; (5) values of Generation Z; (6) positive and negative emotions of Generation Z; (7) communication with peers; (8) professional self-determination of Generation Z; (9) attitude towards patriotism. The highlighted blocks for analysis define a systematic approach to the study of characteristics and social practices. The study of isolated cases, subjective experiences of life situations and real practices that develop in various types of interaction allows us to understand the digital generation, to confirm or destroy the myths that have developed in the scientific community and the mass consciousness. The authors of the article draw conclusions about the characteristics and social practices of Generation Z, and the main forms of their interaction in the main spheres of life of modern society.