The role of the media in the formation of national (ethnic) identity

Abstract

The public beliefs are formed under the significant influence of the media. Such an influence can have both positive consequences, in particular, strengthened national identity, and negative consequences — the sowing of enmity, doubts, the destruction of authority. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyze the role of the media in the formation of national identity in terms of three components: the provision of information by the media, the reaction of citizens and state initiatives. The study employed statistical analysis, survey results, correlation analysis, and content analysis. The current state of the national (ethnic) identity of Ukrainians was described in the research, its significant growth during the period of independence (up to 84.6% in 2022) was noted. The role of the media in the formation of national identity was analysed according to the three identified vectors of influence. The academic novelty of this study is the approach to analysing the role of the media in the formation of national identity in terms of three components: information provided by the media; citizens’ reaction to this information; state initiatives that mediate the relationship between the media and society.