Saint Petersburg, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation
UDC 343.9.01
The article discusses the growing concern on the issue of the involvement of minors and the youth in unlawful extremist activities in the context the digital transformation of society. It is noted that the use of information and communication technologies, the anonymity afforded by the Internet, and the psychological features of adolescence foster the environment conducive to the dissemination of extremist ideologies and the recruitment of new supporters. The objective of this study is to analyse the regional data (Saint Petersburg and the Leningrad region), in order to identify the modern mechanisms by which young people are drawn into destructive activities, and to determine effective strategies to counter them. Methods. The methodological basis of the study comprised a combination of general scientific methods (dialectical analysis, synthesis, generalisation, deduction, induction) and discipline-specific methods (comparative legal analysis, statistical analysis, observation, and document analysis). The empirical basis encompasses statistical data from the Federal State Institution “Main Information and Analysis Centre of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation” for 2022-2025, criminal case materials and administrative case files of an extremist nature, as well as the results of monitoring the Internet (social media and messaging apps). Results. A general social profile of individuals involved in extremist activities has been created on the basis of an analysis of law enforcement practice and statistical data. Key motivations (self-interest, provocation, ideological hatred) and age-related patterns in committing crimes have also been revealed. It was established that young people aged 14 to 17 years are more likely to engage in violent forms of extremism, while older age group 25 to 35 years tend to be more active in extremist information. The main channels of communication and psychological techniques influencing on young people, including formation of a positive image and dehumanisation of the opponent, employed by radical online communities, have been identified. These techniques are mainly used on the “Telegram” messaging application. Conclusion. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the counter- mechanisms that have been implemented by law enforcement agencies in Saint Petersburg and the Leningrad region. These mechanisms encompass identifying and blocking of destructive content, the neutralisation of leaders and activists of radical groups (e.g. the dismantling of the “Vesna*” movement), and the implementation of preventive measures involving frontline staff in educational settings and parents. The article substantiates the necessity for further improvement of preventive measures, taking into account prevailing trends and methods of information influence employed by extremists.
extremism, minors, youth, involvement in destructive activities, social profile of an extremist, digitalisation, information influence, countering extremism, Saint Petersburg, Leningrad region
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