Technologies of formation of public opinion

In the present historical juncture, the international community pays great attention to the development of democracy and civil society. This leads to the increasing importance of public opinion in the political sphere and its influence on political processes. The article gives a definition for technologies of public opinion formation, highlights some types of technologies and techniques of information manipulation, and reveals their basic position. It is noted that the consistent application of technologies for shaping public opinion can change not only the mass consciousness but also the surrounding reality. The article concludes that the formation of public opinion through the manipulation impedes the development of democracy.