Dynamics of Student Leisure Practices in the Sverdlovsk Region Amidst Digitalization: Monitoring Results (1995–2024)

Introduction. The widespread digital transformation of society leads to changes in traditional forms of leisure, replacing them with digital alternatives. These changes have a significant impact on student youth. The low controllability of such practices necessitates systematic monitoring of their prevalence, implementation, and potential consequences. The purpose of the article is to highlight the key trends in the transformation of the structure of student leisure in the Sverdlovsk Region, in the context of digitalization, based on long-term monitoring data (1995–2024).
Materials and Methods. The data were collected during the IX wave (March–June 2024) of the longitudinal monitoring project “Students of the Middle Urals” (implemented since 1995). A representative quota sample (n = 2 000) of third-year students from 12 universities in the Sverdlovsk Region was surveyed using an online questionnaire, stratified by gender and fi eld of study (humanities, socio-economics, engineering and technology, natural sciences). A comparative analysis of the dynamics for nine waves was conducted using descriptive statistics, trend analysis and the χ² criterion (IBM SPSS Statistics 22.0).
Results. A significant shift has been observed from collective to individual – predominantly digital – leisure activities. Certain trends in content consumption have been identified, notably a growing preference for text-based or expert-driven content alongside declining engagement with visual entertainment formats. Paradoxically, awareness of forms of digital participation has increased even as direct engagement has sharply declined. There is an emerging need to develop educational programs and youth policies aimed at balancing online and offline activities, minimizing social isolation, and leveraging the potential of functional digital leisure (such as for self-development).
Conclusion. The systemic transformation of student leisure refl ects broader societal digitalization and is characterized by “digital autism” (the avoidance of social interaction) and the construction of identity through digital achievements rather than interpersonal connections. A paradoxical rise in formal civic engagement points to a search for a sense of belonging amidst digital alienation – a trend likely reinforced by state policy. These findings will inform the development of educational programs and support measures aimed at harmonizing digital and real-world interactions within the student community.