Abstract: The subject of the study is public opinion about the activities of non-profit organizations. The third sector in modern conditions of social development plays a key role in social support for citizens. Low awareness of the work of NPOs, as well as a low level of trust on the part of the population, do not fully allow non-profit organizations to be actively involved in solving social problems in the region, to reveal the possibilities of effectively compensating for imperfections in public services, and to increase self-sufficiency and self-employment of the population. The purpose of the study was to study the perception of the activities of non-profit organizations by society, as well as to compare the results in different regions of the Russian Federation. The study was carried out in two stages. At the first stage, the results of a survey of citizens of Russian regions (Irkutsk region, Republic of Buryatia) about their ideas and perceptions of the activities of non-profit public organizations were analyzed. At the second stage, an analysis of similar studies in other territories was carried out. Based on the study, the following conclusions can be drawn: the study showed that, in general, the population of the studied regions of the Russian Federation is aware of the activities of non-profit organizations, however, the lowest level was identified among residents of the Irkutsk region, while residents of the Republic of Buryatia and Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug-Yugra showed higher awareness. It should be noted that the surveyed residents more often use «social networks» as sources of information about the ongoing work of NPOs. Based on the results of the analysis, a list of recommendations was formulated for the management of non-profit organizations.

Abstract: This article presents the results of a content analysis of jokes about the COVID-19 pandemic published on various social platforms. The purpose of the study is to identify common sentiments and main themes among the masses in the context of this crisis. The research method was a content analysis of 400 jokes published on various social platforms and Internet sites. The analysis was carried out in two stages. Thus, at the first, anecdotes were studied that reflected a direct relationship to politics, government, and certain political figures, while at the second, anecdotes related to the inconveniences that appeared in everyday life, in connection with the introduction of restrictive measures, were examined.
According to the results of the content analysis, jokes about coronavirus infection can be considered as an important tool for studying public opinion and identifying the main difficulties faced by people during the pandemic. Since such humorous statements often reflect the general mood of society and, in general, people’s attitude towards the current situation, they help cope with stress and anxiety in a difficult situation.
Thus, during the pandemic, jokes were more often used in the context of criticism of government authorities and specific political figures, expressing an “against” position on the issue of vaccination. And also in order to ridicule restrictive measures, namely, jokes about wearing a mask, using a QR code, lockdown, remote mode during work or study, and penalties are highlighted.
Note that the article also raises other topics, which include: fear and anxiety about possible infection with COVID-19, humor on the topic of self-isolation and remote work or study.