Simulacra in the media as a current problem of modern society

The article deals with the problem of reality simulation in the sphere of mass media as a method of manipulating public opinion using high-tech infocommunication means in order to transform public consciousness. The author presents examples of a number of modern "information wars", in which mass propaganda serves as the main weapon and where numerous simulacra are created. Simulation of reality with the aim of transforming public consciousness is widely used in the field of mass media. The ruling elites in various countries of the world today use the resources of the media and official sources to influence the forms of social behavior of individuals and their communities. Manipulation technologies are necessary, among other things, to create and further sustainably maintain the illusion of the achievability of the declared goals and the reality of social processes. Many simulacra created by the media do not cease to exist shortly after the event (news story) that caused them and do not lose their relevance for a long time. The memory of people about past events, their attitude towards them is largely shaped by the mass media. The author bases his analysis on the works of famous modern sociologists D. Bell, J. Baudrillard, E. Toffler, A. Touraine, J. Habermas. The conclusion is made about the dangers and benefits of simulacra in modern society.