Destructive behavior among the younger generation under the influence of the digital environment: guidelines for ensuring information  and psychological security

Aleksey Kokurin; Vyacheslav M. Pozdnyakov

VAK Russia 5.3.9 UDC 159.9

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DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR AMONG THE YOUNGER GENERATION UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THE DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT: GUIDELINES FOR ENSURING INFORMATION AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SECURITY Destructive behavior among the younger generation under the influence of the digital environment: guidelines for ensuring information and psychological security

АА Аа

Published in Russian Journal of Deviant Behavior · Volume 6, Issue 3 · Pages 411–428 · Rubric: Psychological research on deviant behavior

Received: 16.07.2026 Accepted: 29.08.2026 Published: 26.10.2026

Authors

Aleksey Kokurin

ORCID

Vyacheslav M. Pozdnyakov

ORCID

Aleksey Kokurin

Science rang: docent

Moscow State Psychological and Pedagogical University Professor · Department of Scientific Foundations of Extreme Psychology · Russian Federation · Moscow

Moscow State Law University (MSAL) named after O.E. Kutafin Associate Professor · V. E. Eminov Department of Criminology and Penal Law · Russian Federation · Moskow

ORCID

Vyacheslav M. Pozdnyakov

Academic degree: doctor of psychological sciences

Science rang: professor

Moscow State University of Psychology and Education Professor · Department of Scientific Foundations of Extreme Psychology · Russian Federation · Moscow

ORCID

ABSTRACT

Relevance. The article analyses publications by international and Russian researchers, predominantly published in 2021–2026, addressing the causes and patterns underlying the growing prevalence of destructive behavior among the younger generation under the influence of the digital environment. Aim. The study aimed to identify trends and mechanisms underlying the influence of the digital environment on the development of destructive behavior among the younger generation and to analyse existing preventive measures. Research hypothesis. The study hypothesis is that a meta-analysis of relevant publications would make it possible to identify trends in research on and prevention of destructive behavior among the younger generation and, on this basis, to substantiate a model of imperatives for ensuring information and psychological security. Materials and methods. A comprehensive approach was employed to systematise evidence on trends and forms of destructive behavior among the younger generation in the digital environment, as well as on preventive measures proposed by researchers. The analysis covered 26 international and 28 Russian publications in the fields of psychology, sociology, law and education. Results. Trends in the study and prevention of destructive behavior among the younger generation were identified with regard to specific forms of such behavior. An association was established between the intensity of digital device use among adolescents and young people and the development of destructive behavioral patterns, including their transfer into online environments. The potential of existing theories of social security and proposed intervention models aimed at reducing destructive behavior among the younger generation under the influence of the digital environment was demonstrated. Conclusion. The findings demonstrate the importance of adopting an interdisciplinary approach to investigating the causes and mechanisms underlying the development of destructive behavior among the younger generation under the influence of the digital environment, as well as of developing comprehensive prevention programmes based on two imperatives: preventive-victimological and cultural-developmental. Methodological tools for this purpose are currently being actively developed, while increasing attention is being paid to the need to develop technologies that meet the requirements of evidence-based science.

KEYWORDS

destructive behavior among the younger generation, information and psychological security, cyber-socialisation, prevention of destructive behavioral patterns, stress, resilience, digital environment

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