The Role of the Internet as a Co-Constructor of Political Media Reality

This article is devoted to the study of the role of the Internet in political media reality. The author refers to the definition of media reality by N.G. Shcherbinina and offers to apply it to Internet communication. The objective is to study the main features of the global network, its influence on program algorithms and user behavior. In this regard, the author points to the differences between the Internet and other forms of media, emphasizing the network nature of communication and the active user involvement in the selection of information. While selecting data, the user applies special programs and options which lead to the individualization (customization) of information. This is also relevant to the selection of people who the user communicates with. Altogether, it leads to informational and associational fragmentation, which can result in situations when the user faces different media phenomena, which consequently leads to the formation of different media realities. The findings are supported by the equation that demonstrates the model of selecting information out of available content by the Internet user. The processes mentioned above are greatly influenced by Internet algorithms, i.e., the technological and logical structure of the global web. The author also considers the possibility of forming the same media reality for all people using Internet network communication. For this purpose, it is offered to involve network users in the discussion and making of decisions in the sphere of urban development. It is assumed that the basis for forming a media reality could be the image of the city. In the conclusion, the author states that Internet communication does not contribute to the construction of a shared political media reality; however, this type of media could be used for this purpose, but it requires the right approach to managing communication flows. However, such managing may be ineffective if it does not include active user involvement and integrative function of political meanings. The data of two studies are given in the article: (1) the identification of connections among the audiences of the VK social network and cross-references among communities with a view to reflect thematic isolation of similar information platforms by the author; (2) the questionnaire survey of the youth in Tomsk conducted in the summer of 2019 with the financial support of the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (Political Socialization of Youth in University Cities. Project No. 19-011-31231).

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