Internet technologies as a factor in development of civil participation of the regional community

Volume 4, Number 4, 2019, P. 411–418

[ SOCIOLOGICAL SCIENCES ]

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Abstract:

The article examines the issues of the influence of population Internet activity on the readiness to participate in solving social problems. The analysis was carried out on the basis of sociological survey of respondents of two large cities (Vologda and Cherepovets) and eight municipal districts by the Vologda Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Vologda region. The sample is representative, with quota selection of survey units at the last stage, N = 1500. The growth in Internet use by the regional community has been identified. It is indicated that the main motives for using Internet technologies for residents of the region are communication and receiving news about events in the world and the country. As a result of the study, a socio-demographic portrait of an active Internet user is obtained. They mainly belong to cultured people: young people under the age of 30, people with higher education and higher incomes living in the city. The analysis showed that among the residents of Vologda region using Internet regularly, the percentage of those who are ready to join the work of non-profit organizations and initiative groups and contribute to the development of their city / village in various areas is much higher. The results obtained allow us to conclude that Internet is a significant factor in the development of the public sphere in the region. Meanwhile, the analysis revealed a clear need to expand the use of Internet technologies, especially by elderly, least educated people, those with the lowest income, and non-city dwellers.

Keywords:

internet technologies, internet user, civic participation, cultured groups, regional community

Author:

Julia V. Ukhanova, Candidate of Sciences (History), Senior Researcher, Federal State Budgetary Institution of Science “Vologda Research Centerof the Russian Academy of Sciences”, Vologda, Russia

For citation:

Ukhanova Y.V. (2019) Internet technologies as a factor in development of civil participation of the regional community. Social Competence. Vol. 4. No. 4. P. 411–418. (In Russ.)

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