Corruption as an issue of research in social media

Abstract

The article analyzes the theme of corruption as an issue of research in social media. Social media are considered as a digital public sphere, where citizens could freely express their opinions, share views, learn what opinion leaders are thinking about, and lead to agenda setting of the day. Corruption is one of the biggest problems around the world, and perception of corruption in Ukraine and among Ukrainians is not different from other countries, according to the latest national surveys. At the same time Ukrainians do not feel their responsibility for the high level of corruption at different levels and rather ready to shift responsibility for this difficult situation to representatives of power, official, bureaucrats, etc. Therefore, understanding social media as a public space where public opinion is formed, where researchers could see reflection of public opinion, the main trends, the latest news, discourse around specific topics and corruption as well, is very important and actual for modern communication studies. This study explores the possibility of analyzing the topic of corruption in the digital public sphere, which creates new challenges for community, anti-corruption movement, and policy as well. Given the specifics of the attitude of Ukrainians to this problem and popularity of social networks among them, it is very important to pay attention to this sphere as an independent research field. Taking into account all possible limitations and formulating clear research question, the researcher could get any necessary data, which could serve as a mirror of the society and a tool for important changes.