Barash R.E. Covid-19 in the context of the Russia’s citizens’ everyday life. Some conclusions of the focus group discussions. The Digital Scholar: Philosopher’s Lab. 2022. Vol. 5 (4). P. 109-139.

Abstract

Applying to the sociological data from the focus group research, conducted in three Russia’s regions (in Republic of Bashkortostan, in Vologda Region and in Moscow city), the author examines the impact of the COVID-19 on the emotional condition of the Russia’s citizens and their perception of the current situation in the state, as well as on the social consolidation during 2019- 2021 and on their attitude towards digital communication. The author summarizes that the pandemic has highlighted the low level of interpersonal trust and consolidation in Russia’s society and even increased disunity and confirmed that citizens used to care mostly about their inner circle of family, friends and some like-minded people. Despite the intensive use of social media during the pandemic, digital communication in Russia today is demanded mainly by young people who fundamentally avoid television content. Applying regularly to the news and analytical content of the Internet media, Russia’s youth, however, treats any information with great caution and distrust, whether it is received from both digital and traditional media.