Abstract:

In modern society the features of thinking, individual and collective consciousness and unconscious of people are largely determined by digital reality, including social networks, messengers, etc. In the situation of the coronavirus pandemic and forced self-isolation, the use of various gadgets, and consequently appeal to digital reality, has increased significantly. The article considers the results of the research on the reflection of the problem of COVID-19 pandemic in quantitative and content characteristics of graphic Internet memes in social networks. Based on the content analysis, 11 main semantic types of memes about coronavirus have been identified, reflecting current psychological and emotional problems of Russians: attitudes to restrictions, a new way of life; attitude to oneself and self-image acceptance in a new situation; relations with authorities; economic, material problems, health, well-being, hopes for the future, problems of alcoholism, changes in the geopolitical situation, problems in interpersonal relationships, methods of treating a new disease.

The research concluded that during the period of a sharp increase in the number of infected people, the number of memes about coronavirus in users feeds was not dominant, but the number of likes suggests that they attract the most attention of users in comparison with memes on other topics. The topic of the coronavirus is of primary importance for Russians and memes that appear will have a significant impact on the perception of coronavirus, attitude to the current situation and behavior. Memes, when read directly, can evoke both positive and negative emotions, some groups of memes may have a prolonged effect on users, which can lead to depressive states. Certain groups of memes have a psychotherapeutic function. Memes, therefore, can serve as an indicator reflecting the content of public  conscience and unconscious of people, as well as a way to influence it.