Socio-Communicative Aspects of Trust Concepts Among Bachelor Students of Moscow Universities

Abstract

Interest in the analysis of trust in social communications is due to the fact that modern society is subject to a number of global challenges in economics and politics. Young people, as the most susceptible and labile group of the population, may experience the negative impact of these challenges, coupled with a crisis of values and social guidelines. The purpose of the research is to analyze the perceptions of trust among bachelor students from Moscow universities in the context of social communications. Empirical data are presented by the results of a survey of full-time students living in Moscow and the Moscow Region (n = 441, 2021). The theoretical and methodological basis of the study is formed by the theories of trust of Russian and foreign researchers (F. Fukuyama, Yu. Lo, P.M. Doni, V.Yu. Stolyar, P.M. Kozyreva, S.V. Ryzhova, et al.). The scientific novelty of the study is the identified patterns of the phenomenon of trust in the youth environment. The results of the study show the ambiguity of the interpretation of trust by students. In building trusting relationships, honesty, openness and sincerity are most significant for students. Most consider it impossible to have relationships without trust with relatives and friends. In intercultural communications, it is easier for students to trust post-Soviet citizens. For barriers of trust, the most significant was the socio-cultural barrier (difference in mentality, norms, values, the presence of stereotypes, etc.), as well as the language barrier. The conclusions and recommendations presented in the article can be used in further research on student trust, as well as for making managerial decisions to strengthen the value of trust in education.