Religiøs og nasjonal symbolikk som virkemidler i sosiale medier : En studie av pro-russiske ytringer i sosiale medier i lys av konflikten i Ukraina

Abstract

Religious and national symbolism as instruments in social media -A study of pro-Russian statementsin social media consideringthe conflict in Ukraine.This thesis discusses how pro-Russian groups affiliated with the conflict in Ukraine have used religious and national symbolism as instruments in social media. By means of Internet based netnographic field work, I selected three groups that in different ways are affiliated with the conflict. Then I collected all thecombinedvisual expressions (336 texts)containing religious and (official) national symbolism, that the groups published in 2018. With this data material, I conducted a quantitative analysis that resulted instatisticalcategories and codesthatI establishedthrough the analysis. Based on resultsfrom the quantitative analysis, I selected four “texts”for the qualitative analysis. By analysingthe data material and viewingthe results with the helpof framing theory, Iexplicate and contextualizehow the selected groups utilize religious and national symbolism in the process of framing different messages or narratives. The content of visual expressions disseminated troughsocial media has been adapted to fit existing frames, which in turn strengthens the process oflegitimizingor delegitimizinganything from individuals to institutions. In the process of legitimization and delegitimization, the groups have putgreat emphasis intohighlightingsimilarities and differences.The contrasts used to show similarities and differencesare primarily concerned withvalues and attitudesrelated to religion,human rights, corruption and violence,but also relates toa linguistic, historical and religious community.