russians Are Largely Unable to Master New Technologies

russia has seen a decline in the digital literacy of its population. In 2025, the corresponding index fell by 3% to 68%, compared to 71% in 2022–2024.

The decline is explained by the fact that russians cannot keep up with the rapid development of technology. In other words, russians are largely unable to master new digital tools at the pace dictated by the modern world. This speaks not only to technological backwardness, but also to society’s weak adaptability to innovation.

The highest levels of digital literacy were traditionally demonstrated by residents of moscow and st. petersburg (70%), as well as entrepreneurs (72%). At the same time, the worst situation is among teenagers aged 14–17 (62%), the unemployed, and residents of cities with a population of 500,000 to 1 million people (65%). It is noteworthy that even young people in the rf are far from being as “advanced” as is commonly believed.

Education does not guarantee competence. The difference between people with and without higher education is only 5% (71 versus 66). This demonstrates a general decline in practical skills. In 2025, women caught up with men in terms of digital literacy (68% each) for the first time in seven years, but this happened against the background of an overall decline in both groups.

Especially interesting is the sharp decrease in the proportion of russians with advanced digital skills – from 32% in 2024 to 21% in 2025. Instead, 75% of the population have only basic skills, and 4% have a minimal level. In fact, we are talking about a society that is capable of using ready-made services, but not of creating its own digital products or solving complex technical problems.

russians find software configuration the most difficult task, with the corresponding indicator having fallen to 53% over the year. Critical evaluation of information and creation of digital content also remain problematic. Against the background of global digitalization, such dynamics indicates the systemic inability of a significant part of russia’s population to use modern technologies effectively and safely.