The RuNet - Lost in Translation

Author(s): Karina Alexanyan
Editor(s): Stephen Aris, Matthias Neumann, Robert Orttung, Jeronim Perovic, Heiko Pleines, Hans-Henning Schröder
Series: Russian Analytical Digest (RAD)
Issue: 69
Pages: 2-5
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich; Research Centre for East European Studies, University of Bremen
Publication Year: 2009

This article argues for a socio-cultural analysis of the Russian Internet and social media landscape. I contend that the Russian Internet and social media landscape is unique, with features that are specific to Russia and distinct from their counterparts in the US or elsewhere. Russian Internet and social media use needs to be understood from within its own socio-cultural context - Western understandings of Internet use and social media categories do not necessarily translate to Russia. This article discusses some of the key variables - such as level and degree of penetration, style of use, areas of attention and social media categories - which are necessary for a nuanced understanding of the Russian Internet.

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