Abstract
The article explores the problems of using social networks for the formation of an individual's personality, the influence of social networks on the development of social activity of young people. The effectiveness of various forms of information exchange (public or anonymous) is evaluated. The purpose of this article is to study the impact of social media on the social activity of young people, which includes billions of users in the global information space. Determining the inclination of young people to participate in specific social activities through the forms of expressing their opinions in social networks. The value of the study lies in determining the ability of social media to change the worldview, life values and interests of the individual, develop new ideas and directions, and correctly form life guidelines. The empirical basis of the study was the social research conducted by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Kazakhstan. The content of the accounts of Kazakhstani politicians, public figures, representatives of business and culture in social networks such as VK, Instagram, Facebook, Youtube and Twitter was also studied; a content analysis was carried out. The study also used the results of survey conducted by the author of the article among students, undergraduates. An experimental survey aimed at determining the degree of influence of important social events on the activity of young people yielded unexpected results. It was revealed that meaningful and thoughtful in the form of implementation of online initiatives, petitions, increase youth activity in real public life. The main results of the study helped to identify the following pattern: people who use public and open placement of their opinions in social networks are more committed to real participation in public actions. Conversely, anonymous support for socially beneficial events reduces the commitment to further real actions. At the end of the article, the following conclusions were formulated: the social activity of young people should be directed not only to a specific person, but also must serve the interests of the state and society. In general, the Internet and virtual communities play a positive role in solving social problems, problems among the youth. Keywords: social media, slacktivism, online activity, youth, politics.