New media as a tool for public administration improvement in Russia

The article presents the results of a study of the new media utilization to improve the efficiency of public administration. The authors observe the most popular means of new media and analyze expert opinions about them. As a result, the strengths and weaknesses of regular projects implemented through new media are identified, and the proposals improving their effectiveness are made. The study also found out only a small digital divide in Russian society, which indicates a high potential for maximizing the efficiency and transparency of public administration. At the same time, the highest political effect is produced by media projects, which are typical for the policy of «manual control» and hinders major changes in communications between state institutions and society.