Mass literature as a factor of destruction of literary environment

The article considers the problems of mass literature as aesthetic and social phenomena. In connection with the designated criteria of artistry, the authors consider two paradigms, reflecting the dichotomy of the possible and real role of literature in today's society. They also suggest the criteria for distinguishing between literature and non-literature. On the one hand, literature, style, writer, prose, reader, on the other - reading, author, book, consumer. Literature or reading, reader or consumer - this is the choice of society. It is not yet known, how the society is going to solve this problem; it is known only that not to solve it is to increase the risks of embezzlement of spiritual and humanistic principles.