DEVELOPING ADOLESCENTS’ DIGITAL COMPETENCE AS A PREREQUSITE FOR HARMONIOUS SOCIALIZATION AND EFFECTIVE ADAPTATION IN THE INFORMATION SOCIETY

Abstract

Core worldviews, values, and social roles are formed most actively during adolescence. In the context of rapid digitalization of various aspects of life ‑ education, leisure, and communication ‑ the digital environment can serve as a space for adolescents’ self-realization, learning, social engagement, and support. It also plays a significant role in their development and integration into modern society. This article explores the issue of developing adolescents’ digital competence as an essential factor for their harmonious socialization and effective adaptation to the information society. Particular attention is paid to the impact of web resources on students’ academic performance.

To theoretically substantiate and experimentally test the influence of digital technologies-particularly web resources-on the development of adolescents’ digital competence as a prerequisite for their harmonious socialization and successful adaptation in the information society, as well as to determine the impact on academic performance.

For the first time, the study examines the correlation between the level of digital competence and the effectiveness of adolescents’ socialization in the digital environment. It identifies both the positive effects and the risks of digital socialization. A pedagogical experiment confirmed the positive impact of integrating web resources into the educational process on students’ academic success.

The results of the study show that the deliberate development of digital competence promotes adolescents’ successful adaptation to the demands of the information society, enhances critical thinking, communication skills, and increases motivation to learn. In the experimental group, students demonstrated higher engagement and improved knowledge acquisition. The use of web resources allowed adolescents to learn at their own pace and refine their ability to use digital tools in education. Online tutorials and video lessons improved preparation for practical classes, while virtual simulations complemented real-world experiences.