PATRIOTIC DISCOURSE IN “NEW MEDIA” IDEOLOGICAL TRENDS IN MODERN RUSSIA

Abstract

Aim. The article examines the ideological filling of the concept of patriotism in the “new media” ideological trends.Methodology. The texts of bloggers who can be considered public opinion leaders in the “two-stage” model of social networks communication were analyzed. The most influential bloggers were identified in the survey conducted among university teachers, journalists and public associations.Results. The study has demonstrated a consistent conceptualization of patriotism discourses in “new media” by the ideological framework of traditional political ideologies. It is shown that the official discourse of the “patriotism” concept is widely represented in “new media”. In accordance with the meanings of conservative ideology, patriotism is presented as a feeling based on the non-political emotional attachment, “love for the Motherland”. This allows, using the idea of opposing the “common enemy”, to promote relative consolidation in the currently socially split society and contribute to the legitimation of power. At the same time, the “new media” of liberal and socialist orientation putting forward the charges of non-patriotic behavior in relation to power, use the concept of patriotism for its de-legitimation. Research implications. The study showed that the main ideological confrontation and struggle of opinions takes place not so much between “new media” as a potential protest resource and official discourse, but inside the “new media”, along the lines of ideological faults.

Keywords

• Ideology
• “New Media”
• Social Networks
• Patriotism
• Public Opinion Leader