Environmental problematic in media space of Chelyabinsk

Abstract

The object of this research is the new media that create the information space of Chelyabinsk, namely online media platforms. The subject of this research is the topic of environmental security of urban areas. The author aims to find and analyze the new media platforms that form the perception of ecological state of the city, as well as examine the role of users in distribution of eco-information through these platforms. The article employs the automated content analysis, which allows acquiring socially important information on environmental problematic by means of big data (using the “Medialogia” resource). The novelty consists in the empirical base, which consists of 1,050 online publications on the topic of ecology, as well as 5,400 postings in social networks for quantitative analysis along with 1,050 for qualitative analysis. The author also examines such indicators as the audience of postings, views and engagement of the audience, keynote of postings and comments, etc. The main conclusions are as follows: - the environmental agenda in media space of Chelyabinsk is relevant and sustainable; - the main topic of postings is the air pollution;  - online media platforms resort to the traditional delivery of information using frightening headlines     and repetitive visual symbols (factories, chimneys, smoke), which creates a stereotypical perception of the city’s image and concerns;  - due to the urgency of environmental problems for the residents, the audience shows high response rates;   - negativistic response of the audience prevails, as the users try to reach out to the authorities through personal postings and reposts of negative information.