The article examines the functioning and development of the Russian language in the context of digital communication, with a special focus on teaching Russian as a foreign language (RFL). The study analyzes lexical, grammatical, orthographic, and stylistic changes caused by the spread of Internet discourse, social networks, and messengers, as well as their impact on RFL teaching methodology. Particular attention is paid to the correlation between normative and variable language forms in digital speech, the formation of communicative competence, and the linguistic consciousness of non-native speakers in online environments. It is argued that digital technologies, when methodologically integrated into the educational process, can enhance the effectiveness of RFL instruction and contribute to the development of intercultural communication.