The attitude of Russian youth to the Special Military Operation: The role of media support of state policy

The purpose of this article is to analyze the role of media support for the actions of the Russian authorities in shaping the attitude of young people to the special military operation (SMO) in Ukraine. The results of sociological surveys are analyzed regarding the level of interest and concern of young people about what is happening within the framework of the SMO, as well as their approval of the course towards a forceful solution to the conflict and the most preferable prospects for the further development of the situation. It is concluded that, compared with people of middle and older ages, young people are characterized by a more restrained attitude towards SMO. The most probable objective and situational reasons for such an attitude are indicated. Specific proposals have been formulated to optimize the information support of the SMO, designed for a youth audience.