Urbanisation and digitalisation: how psychological profile of BRICS residents is changing

BRICS megacities are growing and transforming at an incredibly fast pace. Moscow, Shanghai, Mumbai, Johannesburg, Sao Paulo, Jakarta, Dubai, Addis Ababa, Cairo, Tehran – these cities are no longer just points on the map but planetary economic and cultural centres that shape and project to the outside world a new way of life and thinking. These changes are largely driven by such global processes as urbanisation and digitalisation. Under their influence, a new psychological profile of residents of the BRICS countries is taking shape.

Digitalisation: pros and cons

In the member states, digitalisation is used as a booster for economic growth, education and the creation of a comfortable living environment. At the same time, there are risks: digital technologies, social platforms and media today also serve as communication channels for the entire population, including children; therefore, the lack of control in this sphere creates threats to socio-political stability and the moral health of society. China and Russia pay particular attention to this issue. The countries are introducing a multi-level, high-tech system for regulating digitalisation, which makes it possible not to lose its beneficial functions.

Urbanisation: pros and cons

The main challenge posed by urbanisation is the inevitable erosion of the middle class, limited access to social mobility and, as a result, growing public dissatisfaction. The BRICS countries do not yet have a unified mechanism for addressing the socio-economic problems of large megacities with millions of residents. Humanity as a whole has not yet invented a way to build a large city where everyone is happy. Therefore, constant exchange of experience among the countries of the group on how to address these issues is essential.

At the same time, urbanisation gives rise to new models of living – coworking spaces, creative communities, and initiatives to improve the urban environment. All this helps to foster among residents a sense of control, meaning and belonging.

How these global processes affect the psychology of modern people

The psychological profile of a contemporary BRICS resident is a hybrid of traditional values and modern challenges: high adaptability, a need for self-expression, and a desire to be heard. In the era of digitalisation and urbanisation, balance is becoming increasingly important – between online and offline, between speed and pause, and between personal space and social engagement. How the BRICS countries learn to preserve the psychological well-being of their residents is one of the key questions of the coming decades.

Material provided by BRICS Bloggers Team participant and resident of the Centre for New Media, Oksana Vasileva. The Autonomous Non-Commercial Organisation "Resource Centre for New Media" collaborates with over 500 bloggers. They are engaged in promoting working professions, domestic and international tourism, and promoting the brand of regions. Influencers receive opportunities to develop their media presence, competencies and useful communications, can create joint projects within the community and promote quality content on social networks.