A Content Analysis of the Mentions of Barriers to the Dissemination of Information Technologies in Russian Print Media

Abstract

This article presents the results of a content analysis of articles in Russian print media devoted to the topic of information technology. Specifically, the authors focus on analyzing the topic of the barriers (risks, threats) mentioned in these articles. The results of the research show that 43% of the sampled articles contain references to barriers that seem surprising in light of the techno-optimistic attitudes, which - as noted by other researchers - are widespread in Russia. The authors of the article show that the mention of barriers in the media is linked to the spheres of security, entertainment and communication, and that these barriers are generally portrayed as legal and political problems. Most frequently, barriers are expressed regarding the relations between the state and the private sector, as well as between Russian and foreign countries and companies. As for the foreign experience, content analysis shows an ambiguity in the development of the image of the IT sector in this context: other countries are portrayed as both a threat to information sovereignty and as role models to be followed. The article concludes with three models (the diffusion model, education model and governmentality model) to explain how and why IT barriers are presented in the Russian media.