ACADEMIC DISCUSSION HELD ON A DISSERTATION EXAMINING INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND YOUTH WELLBEING

The Republican centre of the study of the public opinion “Ijtimoiy fikr”, acting as the leading organisation, hosted an academic review of the dissertation by Rano Aziz qizi Akhmedova, a researcher at the Institute for the Study of Youth Problems and Training of Prospective Personnel under the Youth Affairs Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan.The dissertation, entitled “The Information and Communication System as a Factor in Improving Youth Wellbeing in Uzbekistan”, was prepared for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Sociology, specialisation 22.00.02 — “Social Structure, Social Institutions and Way of Life”.

As society undergoes digital transformation, there is a growing need to examine how information and communication technologies influence social relations, education, employment, human capital and public wellbeing. Particular attention is being paid to young people’s use of digital opportunities, equal access to information resources, digital literacy and innovative activity, all of which play an important role in helping them realise their social and economic potential.

The dissertation addresses key issues by examining the impact of the information and communication system on youth wellbeing in Uzbekistan, using theoretical, methodological and empirical approaches.

The study explores social indicators used to assess youth wellbeing, changes in social relations within the digital environment, and the impact of information and communication technologies on educational and employment opportunities. It also examines how digital resources can help develop young people’s intellectual and social potential.

One of the key academic aspects of the dissertation is the sociological justification for the “digitalised social capital” indicator and the concept of a “digital ecosystem” in assessing youth wellbeing. The study also highlights the importance of digital literacy, critical thinking, the ability to formulate effective prompts and interdisciplinary analytical skills in enabling young people to make effective use of artificial intelligence technologies.

The significance of the research lies in its approach to digital technologies not simply as tools for exchanging information, but as a social mechanism that can enhance young people’s social activity, expand their economic opportunities, develop their intellectual potential and improve their quality of life.

The academic discussion held at “Ijtimoiy fikr” provided a platform for examining current issues in the sociological study of youth wellbeing, the information society and digital transformation. It also offered an opportunity to assess the practical significance of the research findings and consider ways to further develop scientific approaches in this field.