The aspects of the political internet communication in modern Russia

A comparative analysis helps define the specific nature of political communication in the Russian segment of the Internet. It is concluded that the manipulative nature, the downward flow of information, and focus on supporting the current government are the main aspects of contemporary Russian political Internet communication. Its specific nature is caused by a peculiar hybrid political regime that combines both authoritarian and democratic elements. The author reveals that, nowadays, Russian political Internet communication copy Western one without a focus on establishing and increasing its democratic interaction with society. The democratization and improvement of citizens’ access to information and communication technologies in order to control the government activities are the prospects for such communication development.