Social Networks in Modern Russia: Scale, Structure and Functioning Mechanisms

Abstract

In the article, based on the data of the Institute of Sociology of the FCTAS RAS in 2021, it is shown that most representatives of mass segments of the population have access to resource exchange in social networks and only 16% of them are completely excluded from it. It is also demonstrated that the resource potential of the networks of representatives of these layers is in most cases limited to simple monetary types of help. At the same time, the structure of the networks is asymmetric – there are fewer donors in them than recipients. It is shown that among the participants of social networks there are “pure recipients” who receive aid, but do not provide it, and donors are heterogeneous in their resource potential, and three quarters of them have it at a very low level. It is also recorded that the basis of resource exchange in Russian networks is approximately 7% of the population, which can be described as high-resource donors. They not only help others, but also receive help from networks, moreover, they are the main beneficiaries of membership in networks. As a result of this structure and principles of functioning, social networks tend to deepen social inequalities rather than smooth them out. The mechanisms of formation and functioning of social networks are related to the opportunities for close communication of their participants and their lifestyle in general. The pandemic had a positive impact on mutual help in Russian society, which was expressed in increasing access to resource exchange in networks, converting it into real help and expanding the prevalence of previously atypical forms of social network development for post-Soviet Russia.