Abstract:

Ontological features of scientific content distribution in modern conditions of information and communication technologies development are described in the paper. The author says that the basis of these technologies is social media, in particular, social networks. Key characteristics affecting the possibilities of scientific activity within the framework of social networks are multimedia, interactivity, hypertextuality. Main formats and types of scientific content placement in social media are described. It has been shown that specialized scientific networks with significant functional potential are the most important. Ontological status of scientific content on scientific social networks is analysed. It is proved that this status is ambivalent since scientific social networks combine ethos of free open science and characteristics of commercialization. As a result, scientific content can act both as an object of exchange/gift and as a market product. In conclusion, promising directions of further research of scientific social networks are given.