THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN THE FORMATION OF QUASI-LEGAL CONSCIOUSNESS

Abstract

This article examines the role of social media in the formation of quasi-legal consciousness as a specific form of deformation of legal consciousness, characterized by an outward resemblance to legal awareness in the absence of a systematic, critical, and methodologically sound understanding of law. It is argued that, in the context of the digitalization of society, social media have become one of the key institutions of legal socialization, significantly influencing the formation of legal perceptions, evaluations, and patterns of behavior. It is established that algorithmic content personalization, the effects of “filter bubbles” and “echo chambers,” the emotionalization of communication, and the dissemination of pseudo-expert opinions and disinformation create favorable conditions for the emergence of simplified, fragmented, and often distorted perceptions of law. An original definition of quasi-legal consciousness is proposed, and this concept is distinguished from related categories. The principal causes of quasi-legal consciousness are identified. It is demonstrated that the spread of quasi-legal consciousness adversely affects the legal culture of society, reduces public trust in law and state institutions, intensifies legal nihilism, and increases society's vulnerability to information manipulation. The article proposes the main directions for minimizing the negative impact of this phenomenon.