Abstract: The study examines the role of Telegram channels in shaping the modern political ecosystem of Russian society, focusing on their significance in digital mobilization, public opinion formation and political discourse. Telegram channels are analyzed as key elements where the horizontal connections of self-organizing communities intersect with the vertical structures of power. This dual interaction reveals patterns of their influence on the transformation of political communication and highlights their contribution to new forms of interaction between citizens and political institutions. The choice of Telegram is justified by its popularity and unique content organization, which supports civic engagement and patriotic values. The research methodology integrates network and ecosystem approaches, allowing for the study of Telegram channels as interconnected components of the political environment. Quantitative methods were used to analyze channel metrics, while qualitative content analysis identified key discourses and thematic features.
The study’s novelty lies in its application of integrated network and ecosystem approaches to analyze Telegram channels as critical elements of the political ecosystem in the digital era. It identifies mechanisms through which these channels influence political mobilization and public opinion by facilitating interactions between horizontal and vertical structures. Key findings include the identification of metrics and thematic features that underscore the channels’ role in fostering civic activity and patriotic sentiment. The analysis also emphasizes the critical role of digital platforms in adapting the political ecosystem to the challenges of the digital age by decentralizing information flows and strengthening horizontal networks. The results enhance understanding of digital communication mechanisms and offer tools for developing effective strategies to engage diverse social groups.