Mass media and technologies of influence on the electoral behavior of citizens
- DOI
- 10.5922/vestnikhum-2024-3-9
- Pages
- 106-128
Abstract
The issue of the instrumental use of state media to secure public support for government policies remains relevant for Russia. The article analyzes the activities of the online version of the state publication Rossiyskaya Gazeta in covering the topic of voting on amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation, with the aim of identifying the main techniques used to influence citizens’ electoral behavior. The empirical basis of the study, conducted using content analysis, consists of 471 materials related to the topic of voting on constitutional amendments, published on the RG.RU website from June 1, 2020, to July 1, 2020. The research hypothesis assumed that state publications influence audiences toward conformity in electoral behavior by utilizing informational and normative influence techniques. Among the methods of informational influence, the study identified adherence to the official agenda, the predominant use of informational genres to cover events, and fragmented presentation of information. Normative influence, according to the results, was realized by Rossiyskaya Gazeta through the selection of speakers, the spiral of silence, and stereotyping.