The Problem of Social Identity of Journalists Aged 18 to 35 Years in the Context of Media Digitalization (Based on the Material of Khanty–Mansi Autonomous Okrug — Yugra)

Abstract

Modern transformations in the media space (digitalization, virtualization, a large amount of information, etc.) require modern researchers to rethink approaches to assessing the personality of a journalist, primarily his social identity. Based on a survey conducted in 2024–25 of journalists aged 18 to 35 in Khanty–Mansi Autonomous Okrug-Yugra, the article draws a number of conclusions regarding the peculiarities of the formation of this identity. The focus is on the problems of practical journalistic activity, changes in the field of individual journalistic creativity, the necessary competencies of a journalist, key aspects of modern journalism in media education — all this in the context of the digitalization of the media space. The following contradiction has been revealed: young journalists of the district see the threats and advantages of digitalization of the media, but consider it necessary to form competencies related to the development of «digital intelligence» among university students, without applying these requirements to themselves. The author of the study sees the solution to the problem in clarifying the criteria for assessing the social identity of an actor in the media space. One of the key parameters is proposed to be «attitude to digital media tools».