Ethnic myth-making in cyberspace as a factor of representation of Chuvash ethnicity

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of Chuvash ethnic myth-making in cyberspace. The aim of the work is to determine its role as one of the factors of ethnicity representation. The study is based on the analysis of the relevant content presented on popular web platforms and social networks YouTube, Rutube, Zen, VKontakte, Odnoklassniki. The study identifies a certain section of content offered by search algorithms as the most viewed and included in thematic collections and playlists. The author examines the myth-making components of the Internet space, characterizes formats and plots, identifies their authors, and studies the audience's reaction to the content. Data analysis showed that ethnic myth-making has a positive effect on the representation of the Chuvash culture. Despite some inaccuracies in the information, such material generally evokes positive emotions in users. Information in video and text format is published on popular Russian platforms, making ethno-myth-creating content accessible to a wide audience. The myths created by the authors reflect their desire to show the antiquity and significance of the Chuvash people, which helps the Chuvash people to understand their identity, place and role in the world. Ethno-myth-creating content on the Internet increases interest in the Chuvash culture, promoting its popularization and representation.

Keywords

• Chuvash
• cyberspace
• ethnic myth-making
• ethnicity
• representation
• киберпространство