Aim is to analyze the features of the Internet in the processes of interaction between government and society.

Methodology. The study is based on the communicative approach and functional analysis of the instrumental potential of the phenomenon of mass political communication as a mechanism for the influence of power on the society. The definition of the features of the Internet as a channel of political communication in comparison with traditional media is revealed. The network approach and system analysis is used to reveal the potential for using the Internet communication by government institutions in order to legitimize themselves and reach a consensus with the society.

Results. The author concludes that it is necessary for the government institutions to use the Internet communication tools to effectively interact with the society and maintain the stability of the political system, achieve consensus between the government and society, and maintain the legitimacy of government institutions. The need to create new Internet resources for more effective feedback between the government and society is noted.

Research implications. The necessity to create new Internet resources for more effective feedback between the government and society is revealed.

mass communication, information and communication technologies, the Internet space, political communication, agenda, legitimization of power

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