Discursive Representations of Civic Identity in the Social Network VKontakte (Experience of Using the Neural Network «Conceptoscope» for Analyzing Digital Discourse)

Introduction. In the context of modern geopolitical turbulence and active digitalization of social communication, the topic of civic identity is of particular importance. Social networks are becoming the most important platform for the formation and transmission of collective identities, including civic. The study examines how discursive practices in the VKontakte social network contribute to the formation and representation of civic identity among users.
Materials and methods. The empirical basis of the study was posts and comments from the 10 most popular VKontakte communities with a patriotic bias over a period of 3 years. The material was collected using the continuous data unloading method; the final corpus consisted of 1000 posts and 1936 comments. The following methods were used: linguodiscursive analysis, frequency and collocation analysis, n-gram analysis, topic modeling using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA), as well as graph analysis of Subject-Impact-Object (SVO) relationships, performed using the Conceptoscope neural network.
Results. Key linguistic and discursive practices reflecting the mechanisms of formation of civic identity, such as mythologization, glorification, demonization and belittling of the enemy, are identified. Linguistic semiotic markers (anthroponyms, toponyms, mythonyms) are defined, which function as symbols of collective identity and civic loyalty. Frequency collocations and verb cores are established, forming the images of «one's own» and «another's» and reinforcing the patriotic narrative.
Discussion. The obtained results demonstrate that social networks act not only as a means of communication, but also as a tool for constructing civic identity. Discursive strategies contribute to the mobilization of the audience, the formation of stable patriotic attitudes and the legitimization of collective values. The use of mythological and historical allusions enhances the effect of sacralization and promotes the emotional integration of users.
Conclusion. The study confirmed that digital platforms play a key role in the processes of formation of civic identity, turning network interaction into a space of discursive mobilization. The results can be used to develop communication strategies, as well as for further study of linguistic and semiotic mechanisms of identity formation in the digital environment.