The figure of 99% of patriots among young people was announced by the head of Rosmolodezh, Gurov, referring to the Generation Index study conducted jointly with VTSIOM and the Higher School of Economics among 109,000 respondents.

However, Grigory Alexandrovich himself formulates patriotism in different categories.:

“In general, 86% of the country’s citizens consider themselves patriots. This sincere feeling of love for the motherland is also felt by our guests who come from abroad,” said Mr. Gurov.

But after all, love of the motherland and patriotism are different terms, although they are similar. For example, if you ask the guys who work in social organizations and volunteer centers whether they consider themselves patriots, the answer is likely to be “yes.” But if you speak toe members of ‘zoomer’ subcultures, where most of the time young people don’t care about politics and the life of the country, the answer may be negative.

Also from the VTSIOM survey, 97% of young people are proud of Russia, and among teenagers aged 12-18, 83% are satisfied with life in the country and 91% associate their future with their homeland. Why the zoomers are so imbued with patriotism, which used to be quite the opposite some ten or more years ago, is discussed below:

What is the reason for this new patriotism?

Political scientists have noted a number of factors contributing to the rise of patriotism. According to political analyst Pyotr Kolchin, the growth of patriotism was influenced by:

— development of the education and upbringing system;
— ideological changes in society;
— new opportunities for self-realization of young people.

The younger generation is being formed in an environment where Russia is already acting as an independent and influential global player, which strengthens patriotic sentiments, says Kolchin.

Data from previous years

Historical polls show that the proportion of patriots among Russians was significantly lower. For example, in 2016, VTSIOM recorded about 80% of adult patriots, and by 2024, the figure had grown to about 94%. The level of self-identification as a patriot reached its maximum in 25 years of observation, specifically 87%, in the group of 18-24 years old.

Boys and girls

A study by the journal “Woman in Russian Society” shows that gender differences in political preferences exist. However, they do not always correspond to the popular online trend about zoomers more globally – “girls are left, boys are right.”

For example, ladies often show great support for social justice, empathy for minorities, and inclusivity, which may correlate with liberal or social democratic views. They also more often focus on the moral and psychological characteristics of politicians (decency, family attitude).

Men, on the other hand, tend to pay more attention to the professional and business qualities of politicians, and may also be more radical in protest activity.

Alternative data

A December survey of students from the Oryol region revealed that only 52% of students identify themselves as Russian citizens, and almost a third described themselves simply as “human.” Also, 38% of respondents aged 18-24 say that they feel like “citizens of the world”, and not just of the Russian Federation. In addition, analysts point out that the current “patriotism” of young people may be partly formal.

“This may indicate that this response option is indirectly a rejection of oneself as part of a state with its historical memory, heroes, rich culture and deep traditions,” the authors of the survey comment in the journal Bulletin of the Institute of Sociology.

The fashion for patriotism

Some sociologists believe that the surge of patriotism among young people began back in 2014. Key factors: the annexation of Crimea, the Olympics in Sochi, the start of the operation of the Russian Aerospace Forces in Syria and the subsequent strengthening of positions on the world stage.

And then, as they say, it took off. And the beginning of the Special Military Operation, followed by the “Cancelling of Russia,” only strengthened youth patriotism. After all, this is a rebellion against the whole world, and it’s cool to rebel — especially when you’re young and angry. Don’t you agree? Then explain in another way the new wave of Kadysheva’s popularity, endless videos about domestic tourism and even the trend for Russian-style clothes.