Ethnic identity in the global network: Chuvash groups in the Odnoklassniki social network

The research paper examines the features of the representation of ethnic identity in Chuvash groups of the Odnoklassniki social network. The purpose of the study is to determine the methods, mechanisms and forms of representation of the Chuvash ethnicity in cyberspace using the example of the specified segment of the global network. Objectives of the study: to characterize the geography of Chuvash communities, the number and degree of activity of its members; to study the features of content and ways of transmitting ethnicity and communication in groups. Methodological approaches in the study are determined by the understanding of cyberspace as a space for constructing ethnicity. The study of the Chuvash segment in the social network Odnoklassniki was carried out by isolating content by tags containing Chuvash as the basis, as well as words and combinations containing the names of elements of Chuvash culture. Analysis of the material showed a significant demand for Internet communities among Chuvash living in Russian Regions, especially in regions and republics with the largest Chuvash population. Virtual space serves as one of the effective ways and means to satisfy ethnic needs in limited conditions of real communication and familiarization with the cultural and linguistic values of their people. At the same time, the Chuvash language is in little demand in these and other groups; communication is carried out mainly in Russian. Current topics related to the historical and cultural heritage of the Chuvash people contain such elements as language, folklore, primarily songs, folk costume and jewelry, Chuvash cuisine, as well as forms of national culture adapted to modern living conditions, which, like traditional elements are actively visualized and replicated in virtual space.