The specific use of web services in political internet communication

The study determines the nature and specific aspects of web services used for political purposes from the perspective of systemic, institutional, structural and functional approaches. The author concludes that social networks, blogs, and microblogs contribute to the political paradigm shift from the principles of the administrative hierarchy, control, and enforcement to the attraction of new supporters and interactive collaboration with parties concerned based on similar ideas and views. Internet resources provided an opportunity for individuals to express their interests and requirements and act independently (join together to initiate public rallies, boycotts) as a part of large-scale communities formed in social networks. At the same time, governments gained new opportunities to control and spy on citizens in cyberspace