American Journal Of Philological Sciences
194
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ajps
VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue04 2025
PAGE NO.
194-196
10.37547/ajps/Volume05Issue04-48
Youth Thinking in The Digital Era: Problems and
Solutions
Oysuluv Yulbekovna Musurmonkulova
Independent Researcher, Assistant professor, Alisher Navo’i Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature, Uzbekistan
Received:
23 February 2025;
Accepted:
19 March 2025;
Published:
22 April 2025
Abstract:
This article discusses global information systems, the development of human capital, strengthening the
ideological immunity of young people, the proper use of information in the digital age, the development of
thinking, and the need to enhance focus on these aspects at different stages of education. Methodological
recommendations are provided on how to ensure that young people use information appropriately and are
trained to be media literate.
Keywords:
Information usage, intellectual potential, consciousness and unconsciousness, artificial intelligence,
human capital, types of thinking, media literacy.
Introduction:
The era of globalization has brought
changes to our spiritual and educational life that are
equivalent to centuries of transformation. People are
now required to adapt to innovations, make informed
choices about information, and pursue careers that
align with modern demands to secure their place in life.
In a time when our country is experiencing rapid
innovative development, it has become a vital
necessity to comprehensively develop the thinking,
creative ideas, and ingenuity of young people
—
our
future leaders. Directing their knowledge, skills, and
abilities toward practical application has become an
essential requirement.
However, as young people increasingly turn to artificial
intelligence for solutions instead of traditional books,
critical questions arise:
•
What thoughts occupy their minds?
•
Are they falling into intellectual dependence by
relying too much on ready-made information?
•
Do they have adequate skills to distinguish
between important and unimportant information?
•
How relevant is the information they prioritize
in their lives?
Foreign experts warn that the digital divide
—
between
those who lack access to digital media and those who
cannot critically evaluate media content
—
could lead to
new social disruptions. Modern information has a
direct impact on human thought processes. The
information transmitted through digital technologies
influences a person’s external and internal perceptions
and emotions. According to Freud, "everything that is
suppressed
from
consciousness
becomes
unconscious." In today’s information age, unconscious
processing
often
prevails
over
conscious
understanding. This can be attributed to several
factors:
•
The devaluation of time in society.
•
A decline in critical thinking, an increase in
fantasy-driven thinking, and growing indifference
among individuals.
•
A lack of systematic organization of
information sources based on clear principles.
•
Information addiction
—
three years ago,
people were obsessed with TV series, while today, they
are addicted to the internet.
•
Cybersecurity measures are not automatically
implemented.
•
The spread of mass culture dominates various
social platforms and media.
•
Misinformation on social networks shapes
public opinion.
•
Young people lack skills in filtering and
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
195
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ajps
American Journal Of Philological Sciences (ISSN
–
2771-2273)
effectively using information.
V.G. Belinsky once stated: "The sunlight that
illuminates the Earth does not give it strength; rather,
it awakens the strength that already exists within it."
Similarly, having access to information at the press of a
button does not enhance one’s thinking; it merely
provides
an
opportunity
for
comprehension.
Ultimately, the value of time is determined by the
individual. People’s inability to manage their thoughts
leads to a devaluation of time. Focusing one's mind on
productive ideas ensures that one does not become a
victim of misleading information. Properly managing
thoughts allows individuals to use both the internet
and time wisely.
The Role of Education in Media Literacy
Pedagogical and methodological aspects play a crucial
role in addressing this issue. Social interactions, family
influences, and various other factors are intricately
interconnected, requiring educators and guardians to
be highly attentive. As experts emphasize:
"Do not overprotect children from life’s problems. They
need to develop real-life experiences to learn how to
struggle and succeed in life."
Youth who lack gaps in their media literacy not only
gain a deeper understanding of information-related
concepts but also develop virtues such as friendship,
loyalty, and humanity. Enhancing youth media literacy
and fostering media culture are among the most
pressing issues today.
UNESCO defines "media and information literacy" as a
diverse
set
of
competencies
essential
for
understanding the world around us in the 21st century.
Recognized as a core competency, information literacy
is integrated across all academic disciplines. Finland’s
National Curriculum includes Information and
Communication Technology (ICT) competence to
strengthen students’ ideological immunity and critical
thinking abilities.
In education, young people tend to trust their life
experiences more than theoretical knowledge.
Research suggests that students learn more effectively
when they teach each other. Self-assessment and
reflection allow students to understand their strengths
and weaknesses, thereby fostering personal growth.
Scientists have noted:
"Thoughts contain a hidden force that enables change
whenever a person desires."
Thus, thinking involves refining perspectives on future
strategies, making informed choices, acting proactively
in society, and defending one's decisions based on
knowledge.
Lateral Thinking and Its Importance in Education
Young people often hesitate to express their opinions
freely during discussions, choosing to remain silent
instead. This is not modesty but rather a cognitive
weakness, as it indicates hesitation or uncertainty in
decision-
making.
Today’s
world
does
not
accommodate such individuals. Therefore, developing
students’ thinking skills is crucial.
Example of Synectic Thinking Applied to the Story "Ota"
Synectic
Approach
Example from the Story
Synectics
Understanding the situation through different indirect clues (e.g.,
overheard noise through the wall)
Direct Approach
The grandson informs the grandfather that his mother was crying
Personalization
The mother’s complaints about the neighbor’s temper or the father
forbidding something
Generalization
Recalling similar past conflicts in the family
Symbolic
Approach
Observing facial expressions (the peraon’s face, eye contact, gestures)
to infer unspoken emotions
According to scientific principles, thought processes are
fluid and constantly evolving. Thinking is influenced by
environmental factors but ultimately remains under an
individual’s control. Thinking can be categorized into
two primary types:
•
Vertical thinking
–
logical, sequential, and
traditional thinking.
•
Lateral thinking
–
an innovative approach that
challenges conventional logic to generate creative
solutions.
Lateral thinking, introduced by Edward de Bono in
1967, encourages out-of-the-box thinking by seeking
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
196
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ajps
American Journal Of Philological Sciences (ISSN
–
2771-2273)
alternative solutions rather than following traditional
logical patterns. While critical thinking focuses on
analysis and judgment, lateral thinking explores
unconventional solutions.
Educators are encouraged to incorporate lateral
thinking when designing tasks to improve students'
literacy and problem-solving skills. This approach helps
students develop multiple perspectives and alternative
solutions to challenges. De Bono outlined several
methods to foster lateral thinking:
1.
Abandon strict logical frameworks.
2.
Question established norms.
3.
Consider alternative perspectives.
4.
Generate new ideas and predict possible
outcomes.
5.
Identify unconventional entry points for
problem-solving.
A skilled teacher selects appropriate assignments that
consider students' individual characteristics, interests,
and classroom environment to ensure lesson
effectiveness.
CONCLUSION
Media education, media literacy, and media culture not
only help individuals select reliable sources of
information but also contribute to shaping a
responsible and informed society. Proper use of
information is directly linked to proper use of time.
The development of human capital is a crucial factor for
advancing an innovative economy, knowledge-based
industries, investment strategies, global information
systems, cutting-edge technologies, and modern
business models.
As educators, we have the responsibility to guide young
people toward the right path. The quality of education,
its alignment with international standards, and the
ability of our youth to compete on a global scale
depend on this mission.
REFERENCES
UNESCO Uzbekistan Office. Pedagogical Aspects of
Developing Media and Information Literacy. Tashkent:
Extremum-Press, 2018.
Abdullayeva, M. Innovative Approaches in Literary
Education. Tashkent: Bookmaniy Print, 2024.
Belinsky, V.G. Collected Works, Vol. 3. Moscow:
Khudozhestvennaya Literatura, 1978.
Dehqonova, L. Pedagogical Innovation in Practice.
Tashkent: Mukharir Publishing, 2018.
Edward de Bono. Lateral Thinking: A Textbook. Minsk:
Popurr, 2022.
Mirzayeva, Z., & Jalilov, K. Methods of Teaching Uzbek
Literature. Tashkent: Academ Space, 2024.
Abu Nasr Al-Farabi. The Virtuous City. Tashkent:
Abdulla Qodiriy Publishing, 1993.
Online Sources:
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https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/inson-ongi-
kontseptsiyasining-psihoanalitik-ta-lili
