A recent study conducted by the GeekBrains education platform in collaboration with VK sheds light on how Russians perceive and engage with information technology. The results reveal a nuanced picture of digital confidence across age groups and regions, highlighting both strengths and gaps in IT knowledge.
Only a small share of respondents, about 11 percent, described themselves as highly IT fluent. This figure points to a broader reality: while many people recognize the importance of IT skills, there is considerable variation in actual expertise across the population. The survey engages a wide cross-section, with more than 1,200 participants aged 18 to 55 from various parts of the country, offering a snapshot of attitudes toward technology within a diverse demographic.
When asked about foundational IT knowledge, more than half of respondents reported having basic familiarity, while roughly one in three indicated limited or no strong background in the field. Yet there is a clear consensus on the role of IT in modern life. A large majority, about 80 percent, agree that some level of IT understanding is essential for everyone in today’s world, regardless of occupation or region. This belief underscores a growing awareness that digital literacy is a practical requirement for participation in many aspects of daily life and work.
The survey also explored information sources for IT learning. Public posts and educational videos on platforms like YouTube emerged as the dominant channels, with 38 percent of respondents naming each as their primary source. This pattern suggests that short-form, accessible content remains a powerful driver of curiosity and learning in technology topics. It also reflects a preference for content that is easy to consume and share, especially among younger audiences who are keen to build hands-on skills quickly.
A closer look at source preferences shows a preference for locally produced content. Approximately 48 percent of respondents tend to rely on Russian-language sources for IT information, while about 16 percent lean toward international materials. The remainder mix local and international content, seeking a broader perspective or different explanations for complex topics. This distribution hints at the importance of language, cultural relevance, and trust when people choose where to learn about technology.
In terms of reach and participation, the survey engaged more than twelve hundred adults across Russia, spanning urban centers and rural areas. The breadth of the sample helps illuminate regional variations in digital comfort, access to devices, and opportunities for IT education. The results contribute to ongoing conversations about how to address gaps in infrastructure and training so that more people can acquire practical tech skills that translate into everyday advantages.
Historically, reports of this kind have pointed to a mix of readiness and hurdles within national IT ecosystems. The latest findings align with the idea that the tech landscape is accessible to many, yet still demands clearer pathways to practical competence. Initiatives that combine clear curricula, user-friendly content, and locally relevant examples can play a pivotal role in boosting overall digital literacy. As organizations and schools expand offerings and partnerships, more people may move from basic familiarity to confident, productive use of digital tools and platforms. The survey results emphasize that awareness is just the first step; practical, hands-on learning experiences drive real competence in the field. The discussion here relies on the work of GeekBrains and VK, with attribution to the study sources and methodology used to collect participant responses.