Culture in the system of modern information and communication space

The scientific novelty of the author’s view lies in the sociological approach to understanding the essence of culture as a special structural element in the system of information and communication space. The cultural function of the information and communication space not only gives a social meaning to the personal development but also becomes a major source of sophistication and enrichment of culture in general serving as one of the leading social institutions. The research presents the historical evolution of cultural processes that create the objective circumstances of the social and civilizational progress. The emphasis is placed on the complexity of the cultural function of the modern information and communication space within the creation of a virtual type of space. It requires different approaches and scope of studies applied by the social and cultural scientists. The new cultural aspects and trends of development are established while building e-culture. The research focuses on the fifth kind of cultural revolution in human history where the leading role belongs to the whole complex of information and communication space. The paper identifies the role and significance of social networks in the process of modern culture development as well as the need to build its ethical principles of interaction. The author substantiates the fact that two levels of cultural development (real and virtual ones) are spliced or integrated. It has a strong impact on the life of society as a whole.