THE INFLUENCE OF THE MEDIA ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF INTERETHNIC PROBLEMS

Abstract

The article is devoted to the consideration of the issues of the influence of mass media on interethnic relations in society. The expansion of the information space and the development of digital and satellite communications within the framework of the formation of the information society, the introduction of the Internet and computer technologies contributed to the acquisition of cross-border and interactive nature of media activities. The media is a special part of global political interaction. In this regard, it can influence the course of the ethnopolitical process, having a significant impact on the development of peoples and countries at the international and national levels.

Today, the media are becoming a political tool that determines the possible results of ethno-political interaction. The determined results can range from ensuring interethnic balance, supporting the rights of small ethnic communities, coordinating national and national interests to inciting chauvinism, extremism, local nationalism and ethno-political conflicts.

The lack of social responsibility of the media in covering important issues of ethno-cultural interaction leads to an increase in conflict potential and even to further aggravation of conflicts. In this regard, the media is now recognized as a special social sphere characterized by high conflict potential, especially in ethnic issues. 

The mass media can deepen interethnic confrontation by mistakenly portraying ethnic groups, creating negative "ethnic images". Of particular importance is the reaction of the media to acute issues of ethnopolitical relations, such as nationalism, xenophobia, discrimination, ethnic migration, interethnic conflicts, interethnic conflicts, as well as terrorism, religious extremism