Core values for young people center on family, health, safety, and career. Life priorities among the young tend to be shaped by maturity, and as individuals age they often shift toward practicality. In studies conducted at a prominent Russian university, these shifts become clear: youth values move from idealistic to more realistic concerns over time and experience. A substantial survey conducted with a large group of adolescents reveals that family remains the strongest value, while health, financial security, career prospects, and personal leisure follow in importance. This pattern holds across diverse segments of youth, highlighting that the need for family bonds and stable well being stays central even as other ambitions develop and change. The study also notes that the context of the pandemic has intensified awareness about health and caregiving, particularly for those who experienced illness or the loss of loved ones, underscoring a greater sense of responsibility toward older relatives and community health. The findings emphasize that young people increasingly recognize the value of supporting others within their families and networks, not just pursuing personal gain.
Beyond health and family, service and compassion emerge as important components of youth values. The study describes acts of kindness, mutual support, and willingness to help within the family as meaningful indicators of inner character and social responsibility. This sense of service dovetails with broader social expectations and the realities of growing up in a connected world where interpersonal acts of care reinforce the fabric of community life. In this context, the concept of a dream job evolves to include not only earnings but also recognition and influence. The data show that many young people equate success with being seen and valued by others, a viewpoint that takes on extra weight in the era of social media where online presence translates into social capital. Researchers caution that the pursuit of fame online tends to reflect external validation factors such as followers, likes, and views, which partly shape young people’s definitions of achievement.
Gender differences appear in attitudes toward creativity and fame, with some variation observed between groups. Nevertheless, the broad trend suggests that as youth mature, aspirations shift toward a balanced blend of material security and personal fulfilment, while the emphasis on service and communal care remains a constant thread. This progression indicates a gradual move toward a more pragmatic outlook, where confidence is built not only on personal talents but also on reliable support networks and a sense of social responsibility. The research recognizes creativity as a marker of inner values and acknowledges the value of being recognized by others, while also stressing that real-world responsibilities and relationships can shape the importance placed on fame and visibility. In the contemporary landscape, where digital life mirrors real experiences, the way success is defined continues to adapt and expand, reflecting evolving ideas about achievement.
Previous researchers have explored how family context influences mental development in large households, offering a broader view of how early environments shape later priorities and behavior. The current findings complement these insights by underscoring how family, health, security, career, service, and social recognition interplay in the lives of today’s young people. The results illuminate a trajectory from idealistic to more grounded expectations, with health and family serving as anchors even as other dimensions of life evolve. The implications for educators, policymakers, and families are clear: supporting well being, nurturing compassionate service, and guiding career development should be integrated components of youth development programs and educational strategies.