Konopleva T.V. Ukrainian crisis in the mirror of mass media

Abstract: The object of this research is the influence of mass media upon public opinion. The subject of this research is the information coverage of the Ukrainian crisis in mass media. The author set a goal to determine the level of influence produced by mass media upon the perception of the Ukrainian events by the citizens of various countries. The author carefully examines the images of Russia and President of the Russian Federation that have formed in the consciousness of the citizens my means of mass media in the context of Ukrainian situation; as well as presents the results of sociological research, which confirm the changes in public consciousness. During the course of this research, the author used the method of content analysis of the publications of Russian, Ukrainian, and Western mass media; the annexation of Crimea was used as the main event. The main conclusion consists in the fact that the foreign mass media, using the manipulative methods of influence, have established the image of Russia as the enemy and counterrevolutionary force, which acts against the West; and the President Vladimir Putin as the dictator. Such interpretations promoted increased hostility towards Russia in Western countries. The Russian mass media on the contrary, presented the annexation of Crimea in connotations contribution into the establishment of positive perception of the events among Russians, producing an outburst of patriotism and increasing the level of trust towards the President. The author believes that mass media should me attracted into the political struggle for power, processes of changes in the level of trust to the government and the leading regime.

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