Internet space ecology: new communication practices

The article describes the ecological approach in the study of communication as an integral part of every person’s life, the formats of which, at present, are fundamentally tied to the technological level, regardless of whether it is interpersonal communication or mass. The aim of the study is to analyze the ecology of the Internet space by studying the features of communication in social networks. The main method to the study of this problem is the method of free interviewing using guide, which outlines the topic, ordered in a logical sequence that facilitates the efficient identification of features of communicative practices in media space. The article considers theoretical approaches to the analysis of communicative processes in the conditions of digital mediatization; the formats of new communicative practices in the Internet environment affecting its ecology are analyzed. The novelty and originality of the study lies in the fact that the media space is considered from the point of view of the ecological approach, perceived as a global habitat that permeates all spheres of human activity. Directions of behavior of network communication’s users are revealed: distrust of communicants to the second party of communication, in advance taking into account probable insincerity of the interlocutor or audience. It is established that the ability to be fully confident in the interest of the second party, is argued by the inability to perceive the second reaction. It is determined that these disturbances are not removed by technical achievements in the field of sound and video transmission. It is established that informants are willing to hide their true attitude to the second side of communication, to the message and to the feedback to create a positive impression about themselves. It is determined that the concealment of their emotions and opinions is normal for informants. This trend applies to both interpersonal communication and mass format (personal page, broadcasting to the audience, etc.). Devaluation of a virtual image is considered (any reaction or behavior of the person is subject to doubt on a question of sincerity. It is established that informants tend not to perceive a positive image of a person, his/her popularity in the network and the information of mass character displayed by him/her regardless of reliability. It is revealed that informants tend to separate the real person and his/her image in the network as two separate personalities. The data obtained in the work can be used in environmental psychology, communication psychology, labor psychology, age psychology, social psychology, as well as for further theoretical development of this issue.