This article analyzes the characteristics of social media, messenger, short-video service, and multiplayer gaming platform use among adolescents aged 10–17 in the city of Almaty. The study is based on the Uses and Gratifications and Affordance theories; however, digital channels are not viewed as an external force influencing children, but rather as a communication environment integrated into everyday peer interaction practices.

In May 2025, a survey was conducted through Google Forms involving 65 respondents; depending on the question, the number of valid responses ranged from 62 to 64. The empirical findings showed that, for the surveyed group, the internet has gone beyond being merely a leisure tool and has become a channel for obtaining information, self-presentation, communication with peers, and participation in group activities.

A statistically significant relationship was identified between participation in multiplayer games and the evaluation of friendships (χ² = 7.69; p = 0.021). At the same time, a weak but significant correlation was observed between feeling more comfortable expressing oneself online and experiencing loneliness more frequently (ρ = -0.279; p = 0.027).

The findings highlight the importance of ensuring that media education in schools is not limited to technical skills alone, but is also combined with emotional support, digital ethics, and the culture of safe communication.