Methodology of applied political research of civic activism in social media of modern Russia

The article analyzes the influence of the digital era on the development of civic activism in modern Russia. The main emphasis is made on the methods and methodology for distinguishing socially active types among young Russian Internet users. To distinguish between «leaders», «activists» and «those involved», the authors use quantitative (measuring the level of involvement in civil and political practices online) and qualitative (value profile, role in implementing civil and political practices online) criteria. The article considers such research questions as criteria for the differentiation of political and civil activism; signs of «digital consensus» in Russia; and diversification of values, norms and strategies of civic activism.