Social Integration in Contemporary Journalism: Potential and Implementation

Abstract

The author analyzed the problematic situation in the journalism theory. The stable tradition of studying the press integration function has noticeably weakened, which is largely due to the shift of attention to globalization and the use of digital resources. However, the ideas and practice of social integration have come to the fore in social studies today. In particular, the social philosophy of communitarianism, which has become widespread in the world, is of considerable value for journalism. In the article, the integration function is considered as an attribute of journalism. At the same time, in contemporary conditions, the forms of its manifestation have changed primarily due to the growing possibilities of information and communication technologies. In turn, the latter not only assist journalists in strengthening social ties to achieve the common good, but also serve other actors who initiate integration processes in their interests. Analysis of the activities of communities formed around the media shows that they can act both as centers of civic activism and as introverted small groups with a mindset for ordinary private communication; as an example, the author refers to the so-called neighborhood type of media communities. Negative trends are amplified if editorial offices do not seek organizational interaction with citizens and tend to serve the interests of authorities. The article discusses the opposite strategies and methods of behavior, including the experience of performing social projects on the initiative of journalists. Such civil activity increases when the professional ideology of journalism includes a developed integrative component.