The discursive space of new media in emergency situations

Chzhou Shengnan Postgraduate Student; Department of Digital Media Communications; St. Petersburg State University 7-9 Universitetskaya nab., Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russia st097863@student.spbu.ru

Introduction

In the context of crisis events such as pandemics, natural disasters, man-made accidents or terrorist attacks, information technology plays a key role in promptly informing the public and coordinating actions. New media, including social networks, instant messengers, and online news platforms, are becoming the main communication channel through which both official messages and user-generated content are distributed. In this context, it is extremely important to understand how media discourse is formed, what are its key features and how it affects the perception of crisis situations by society.

The purpose of this research is to study the discursive space of new media in emergency situations. This involves analyzing the dynamics and nature of media discourse, identifying communication strategies used by various actors, and determining the impact of media discourse on public opinion and behavior. New media is not only a tool for transmitting information, but also a space for forming opinions, which makes their impact on social processes significant and worthy of scientific attention.

The methodological basis of the research includes content analysis and qualitative analysis of comments to study the dynamics of media discourse and audience reactions on various digital platforms in a crisis. The comparative approach makes it possible to identify the features of discourse on text-oriented and visually oriented platforms, as well as their impact on informing, mobilizing and emotionally perceiving the audience.

In modern conditions, the study of the discursive space of new media is becoming particularly important due to the many challenges associated with the spread of disinformation, manipulation of public consciousness and the need to create trusting relationships between official sources and the public. Analyzing the media discourse in emergency situations, it is possible to identify not only successful communication strategies, but also weaknesses that need improvement. This is especially relevant in conditions when crisis events are becoming global and require operational interaction between government institutions, the media and society. Thus, this study has not only theoretical, but also practical significance, since its results can be used to develop more effective information management strategies in emergency situations.

The concept of discursive space in new media

The concept of discursive space in new media is a complex phenomenon that encompasses the processes of formation and transformation of communication in the context of digitalization. The discursive space is understood as a set of media practices, technological platforms and cultural contexts that determine the interaction of communication participants, the formation of public opinion and the interpretation of events. A special feature of new media is their ability to create unique conditions for the exchange of information, which makes the analysis of the discursive space a necessary tool for studying the dynamics of the modern media environment.

The discursive space of new media is characterized by hybridity due to the fusion of traditional and digital media systems. In this context, it is useful to refer to the concept of heterotopies proposed by Korkut and Surer, which describes digital spaces as "worlds within worlds."^[1] Such spaces, such as virtual museums, create unique conditions for the exchange of information, combining elements of the real and virtual through the use of immersive technologies. These heterotopias not only provide access to previously inaccessible levels of communication, but also transform traditional forms of interaction, making the discursive space more complex and multi-layered.

The role of the discursive space in information management in crisis situations emphasizes its functional importance in the modern media environment. As Ignatova and I. B. note, discursive power in media systems is manifested through the ability of participants to influence public discussions by introducing and maintaining certain topics and frames.^[2] In emergency situations, such mechanisms become especially important because they determine which aspects of the crisis become central to public perception. For example, the use of social media platforms allows state and non-state actors not only to disseminate information, but also to form narratives that influence audience behavior.

An additional aspect that reveals the discursive space of new media is their ability to create relational communication spaces. According to the research of Martynenko et al., digital platforms are transforming the infrastructure of public communication, making it more accessible and inclusive.^[3] However, this transformation is accompanied by increased dependence on social and material conditions that determine access to information and the opportunity to participate in discourse. This is especially important in crisis situations, when information asymmetry can increase panic or make it difficult to mobilize society.

No less significant for the analysis of discursive space is the phenomenon of polydiscursivity and interdiscursivity described by Mlechko and Shamaev.^[4] New media create conditions for the simultaneous existence of multiple discourses, which makes communication more complex and multilevel. This is reflected in the fact that media discourse is becoming part of a broad ecosystem that includes consumer, cultural, and identity practices. For example, the use of platforms such as Instagram to form new genres of discursive communication, as shown by Schreiber, demonstrates the transformation of textual and visual formats in the context of new media.^[5]

Finally, it should be noted that the discursive space of new media plays a key role in the formation of identity. According to Anikin and Batishchev, the digitalization of media practices has led to the emergence of phenomena such as the culture of cancellation, which are becoming indicators of the transformation of public consciousness and historical memory.^[6] In crisis situations, such processes intensify, emphasizing the need for further study of media practices that form public narratives.

The discursive space of new media is a dynamic phenomenon in which technologies, cultural contexts, and social practices intersect. His analysis is important for understanding how modern media not only inform the audience, but also influence the formation of perception of events, especially in crisis situations. Theoretical approaches such as heterotopias and discursive power provide a deeper understanding of this complex phenomenon and its significance for the modern media environment.

Features of media discourse in emergency situations

Media discourse in emergency situations is a complex, multi-component phenomenon that combines objective information and emotional presentation of information. New media, including social networks, messengers, and news platforms, play a key role in shaping public perceptions of crisis events. This process is largely determined by the use of emotional and sensational narratives, which becomes especially noticeable in conditions of high information pressure.

One of the key features of media discourse in emergency situations is the emphasis on the emotional component, which allows you to attract the attention of a wide audience. For example, in the early days of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, Twitter and Telegram platforms played a significant role, where visual and textual materials were actively distributed with an emphasis on the tragedy of what was happening. In particular, posts describing destroyed cities and humanitarian disasters, such as reports about the events in Mariupol, created a powerful emotional effect, contributing to the active involvement of users.^[7] The analysis of these publications using the method of content analysis allows us to identify the predominance of narratives aimed at mobilizing public opinion and forming sympathy for victims.

The use of sensational headlines and narratives is also typical of media discourse in crisis situations. This is reflected in the media's desire not only to convey information, but also to compete for the audience's attention. Instagram Facebook, for example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, platforms such as Facebook and Instagram were filled with messages that emphasized the dramatic increase in the number of cases or the dramatic consequences of infection, which in some cases contributed to the spread of panic.

Crisis situations often contribute to increased polydiscursivity. In new media, parallel narratives are emerging, competing for dominance. For example, during the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria in February 2023, social media simultaneously circulated messages about assistance to victims, criticism of the authorities for slowness in responding, and conspiracy theories about the nature of the disaster.^[8] The analysis of these messages using the method of qualitative analysis of comments makes it possible to identify various discursive strategies: from solidarity to political polemics.

However, emotional and sensational narratives also have negative consequences. They contribute to the spread of disinformation, especially in times of crisis, when the audience tends to trust any sources capable of providing information promptly. For example, in the early days of the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria in 2023, a lot of fake news was spread via Twitter and WhatsApp, including false reports of new earthquakes or unfounded accusations against rescue services.^[9] Such a media discourse complicates coordination of actions and undermines trust in official sources.

Media discourse in emergency situations is characterized by high emotionality and sensationalism, which enhances its impact on public opinion. The analysis of the thematic content of new media using content analysis and qualitative analysis of comments allows for a deeper understanding of the features of this phenomenon. However, managing such discourses requires developing strategies to minimize the spread of disinformation and increase trust in trusted sources.

Communication strategies of new media in a crisis

In crisis situations, new media play a key role in managing information flows, shaping public opinion, and maintaining social stability. Their communication strategies include interaction between official sources, citizen journalism, and the audience. These strategies are aimed at building trusting relationships, promptly transmitting information and minimizing the consequences of the spread of fake news. The analysis of these processes in the context of modern crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, makes it possible to identify the main mechanisms used by new media to effectively manage crisis discourse.

The role of official sources in new media is increasing in times of crisis, when society needs reliable and timely information. Government agencies and international organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), actively use social networks and news platforms to inform the public. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO used Twitter to spread recommendations to prevent the spread of the virus, as well as to refute myths about treatment and vaccination. This strategy has helped to strengthen the audience's trust in official sources and reduce the level of panic. However, a study by Kachkaev A G and Shomov S A has shown that the effectiveness of such actions depends on the ability of official bodies to compete with alternative sources of information such as citizen journalism and user-generated content.^[10]

Citizen journalism, in turn, is becoming an important addition to traditional sources of information in new media. In times of crisis, citizen journalists and activists provide unique data "from the scene", which increases the audience's trust. For example, at the beginning of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict in 2022, citizen journalists used the Telegram and YouTube platforms to publish videos, which were often the first to record the consequences of military operations. One of the most important communication strategies of new media in crisis situations is to build trusting relationships with the audience. Modern platforms such as Instagram and TikTok actively use personalized information formats, including stories, video messages and live broadcasts. For example, during the earthquake in Turkey and Syria in 2023, international humanitarian organizations such as the Red Cross actively published emotional videos showing the process of rescue operations and the distribution of aid. These materials contributed to the formation of a sense of solidarity and the mobilization of international support.

However, one of the most difficult problems in the context of the crisis remains the spread of fake news. False reports often spread at high speed, which exacerbates panic and complicates the work of official structures. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, rumors about "miracle" drugs such as hydroxychloroquine spread on social media, leading to massive purchases of unconfirmed drugs and undermining confidence in medical recommendations.^[11] To combat this problem, new media are introducing fact-checking tools, such as automatic fake news notification systems on Facebook and Twitter.

The communication strategies of new media in times of crisis are aimed at balancing efficiency, reliability and audience engagement. Official sources and citizen journalism play complementary roles, while the fight against fake news is becoming one of the key tasks of the modern media field. An analysis of these strategies shows that the success of new media in crisis management depends on their ability to adapt to changing conditions, interact effectively with audiences, and use innovative technologies to increase trust and transparency.

The influence of media discourse on public opinion in a crisis

The influence of media discourse on public opinion in emergency situations is a complex and multilevel process. New media have the potential both to generate panic and to mobilize the population in times of crisis. The variety of platforms and ways of presenting information allows us to compare their effectiveness in terms of informing, reassuring society and stimulating collective action. Consideration of specific case stages, such as Hurricane Ida in the United States in 2021 or the explosions at an ammunition depot in Beirut in 2020, allows us to identify the characteristics of audience reactions on various platforms.

During Hurricane Ida, which struck the southern United States in August 2021, the media discourse demonstrated how different platforms can have different effects on audience perception and actions. Social networks such as Twitter have become the main channel for the rapid transmission of information about the hurricane's route, providing users with real-time data. The hashtag #HurricaneIda has garnered thousands of posts, including evacuation recommendations and updates on the devastation. A comparative analysis shows that the content on Twitter was mostly informative, which contributed to the mobilization of the population and the prevention of victims. At the same time, Instagram, which focuses on visual content, focused on the emotional aspects of the disaster, such as photos of destroyed houses and videos of rescue operations. The emotionally charged posts attracted the attention of an international audience and helped raise funds for the victims, but in some cases, such materials increased users' feelings of fear and helplessness.

A comparative analysis of the data shows the difference in audience reactions on these platforms. According to a Pew Research Center study, 78% of Twitter users used the platform to receive operational information during the hurricane, while 64% of Instagram users focused on emotional support and expressions of solidarity. This difference demonstrates how the features of platforms determine their role in media discourse and influence the formation of public opinion.

Another striking example is the explosion at an ammunition depot in Beirut in August 2020. In the first hours after the explosion, Facebook and WhatsApp became the main channels for information dissemination and aid coordination. WhatsApp groups were used to organize volunteer movements, search for missing persons, and distribute humanitarian aid. At the same time, news platforms such as Al Jazeera and CNN focused on the causes of the disaster and political responsibility, which contributed to increased public discontent and protest sentiment in Lebanon. This highlights the dual role of media discourse: on the one hand, it serves as a tool for mobilization, and on the other, as a catalyst for social tension.

The effectiveness of using new media to inform and reassure society depends on many factors, including the reliability of information, the speed of its dissemination, and the ability of platforms to adapt to the needs of the audience. An analysis of user reactions on various platforms shows that the efficiency of Twitter and the functionality of WhatsApp make them the most effective in times of crisis for operational information and coordination. Instagram Facebook's visual richness and emotional focus, however, are more likely to contribute to shaping long-term public opinion, mobilizing resources, and attracting the attention of the international community.

Media discourse in a crisis has a significant impact on public opinion, determining its dynamics and vector. Various platforms perform complementary functions, which range from operational information and mobilization to emotional support and long-term formation of public sentiment. These features emphasize the need for further study of media discourse in order to increase its effectiveness in crisis management and minimize negative consequences for society.

Conclusion

New media play a key role in managing information flows and shaping public opinion in emergency situations. Their flexibility, promptness and accessibility make them an indispensable tool in times of crisis. Nevertheless, the analysis of the discursive space of new media reveals both their potential for mobilizing and informing the population, as well as the risks associated with the spread of misinformation and increased social tension. The main characteristics of the discursive space of new media are polydiscursivity, emotional saturation and high speed of information dissemination. These features provide both opportunities to improve communication in crisis situations and create challenges that require a strategic approach.

In order to increase the effectiveness of interaction between new media and official structures in times of crisis, it is necessary to develop clear strategies for coordinating and verifying information. One of the priorities is the introduction of mechanisms for the rapid refutation of fake news, which will reduce the level of panic and strengthen trust in official sources. An important task is also the integration of educational programs aimed at improving the media literacy of the population, which contributes to a more critical perception of information. Official structures should actively use the potential of social networks and digital platforms to create a transparent and trusting media discourse, especially in the context of humanitarian and natural disasters.

The prospects for further research of the media discourse of new media are related to the study of their long-term impact on the perception of crisis events. The introduction of artificial intelligence technologies, such as automatic text analysis and social media monitoring, can significantly improve the quality of research in this area. These technologies are able not only to identify the main trends in media discourse, but also to offer recommendations for managing information flows. Thus, new media remains not only an object of research, but also an important tool for the formation of a sustainable and effective information space in times of crisis.