Abstract
<jats:p>In the 21 stcentury, the problem of information warfare and mind manipulation has become extremely pressing. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the main tools used in modern information warfare aimed at transforming the values and meanings of contemporary Russian youth. Research methods. The research methodology is based on an interdisciplinary approach combining systems analysis, sociological research, cultural analysis, analysis of contemporary research data, and content analysis. The authors analyze the phenomenon of information warfare, which has existed throughout human history but has acquired particular relevance in the era of modern information and communication technologies due to the emergence and widespread use of specialized tools aimed at reformatting the value-semantic picture of the world and distorting the emotional and psychological state, primarily of young people and adolescents. Research results. The authors argue that the fundamental tool for transforming the spiritual and semantic values of Russian youth is the modern Russian education system, particularly its humanities component, formed in the 1990s as a result of reforms in Russian education, which transmits anti-values and fosters negative perceptions of the country, its history, culture, and traditional values. Information warfare tools such as television, computer games, and contemporary music, particularly its semantic content, are also analyzed. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of social media and cyberspace as the primary tools of information warfare, which are transforming the spiritual and moral values of modern Russian youth. It is concluded that the systematic use of various information warfare tools to transform, and in some target audiences, to shape axiological attitudes alien to the Russian paradigm, among modern Russian youth leads to the complete replacement of traditional value-semantic attitudes in the minds of younger generations and the formation of a destructive worldview. Therefore, only a comprehensive system of measures aimed at shaping the spiritual and moral paradigm of modern Russian youth can preserve traditional values and meanings.</jats:p>