Discourses of external information pressure in the Crimean and Sevastopol Runet segments: features, addressees, conflict potential

In: Political Science (RU), Heft 3, S. 243-265

Abstract

The article presents the results of an applied study of discourse formations in information flows of external origin, targeted to the Crimean and Sevastopol social media audiences. The features of external information pressure on the Crimea and Sevastopol as target regions, the methods of information aggression, information domination, carried out with the aim of deconsolidating the peninsula community, undermining the trust of its representatives of the Russian government, biasing ideas and stereotyping the motives of the leaders of the Russian state, are studied. The research design is based on a comprehensive, hybrid empirical analysis strategy and includes methods of quantitative and qualitative approaches. Cognitive mapping of the content of messages of digital communities moderated by external leaders involves a structural analysis of contextual, thematic characteristics of information related information flows, establishing a relationship between the thematic palette of external information pressure and manipulation techniques, message tonality and user resonance on these information flows. The study of discursive practices of selected digital groups is aimed at a meaningful analysis of discourse formations of various genres, discourse techniques focused on the formation of stereotypes of target groups thinking in relation to the problems of the development of Crimea as part of the Russian Federation. Based on the results of the study, a conclusion is made about thematic dominants, leading methods for the formation of discourses, the relationship between the leading techniques of stereotyping consciousness of a user audience – a target of external forces and characteristics of public resonance. At the end, as one of the many perspectives of the study, the creation of a program of recommendations aimed at counteracting anti-Russian rhetoric and stopping the negative socio-political effects of external information pressure in the social media of Crimea and Sevastopol is announced