Аннотация
This study examines patterns of social media use among youth in Ka-zakhstan and analyzes how these digital practices relate to the evolving infrastructural conditions of political communication . The research is based on a quantitative in-terviews cross-sectional survey and stratified quota sampling ensured representation by gender, age, and place of residence . Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, regression analysis and mediation modeling . The findings indicate youth digital engagement reflect structural shifts in communication environments . The study con-cludes that modern political communication requires a revision of established theo-retical frameworks and greater methodological openness to cross-cultural compari-son . While the study is situated within the broader field of political communication, it does not directly measure political participation or political efficacy . Instead, it focuses on socio-educational dimensions of digital engagement that indirectly shape the conditions under which political communication occurs . In this regard, social media are conceptualized as infrastructural environments structuring exposure to politically relevant content rather than as direct instruments of political mobilization .