Tymofieieva H. Halyna Viktorivna. Transformation of Social Institutions in the Network Society: An Informational Dimension

This dissertation addresses the scientific and practical problem of analyzing the nature, role, and mechanisms of information’s influence on the transformation of social institutions within the context of the network society. The relevance of this research stems from the fact that in the modern world, where information has become not just a resource but a key driver of societal transformations, its role extends beyond that of a neutral medium. Profound changes, driven by information, are reshaping social institutions and their traditional hierarchical structures. In the era of the network society, characterized by the rapid exchange of data and interaction, traditional vertical models of governance and communication are being replaced by horizontal ones based on self-organization, cooperation, and peer-to-peer relationships. This fosters the emergence of new forms of social interaction, remote work, and the formation of global and local identities. At the same time, the uncontrolled growth in information volume and the intensification of informational influences create unprecedented challenges. Today, society faces new threats such as cybercrime, disinformation, and “fakes,” as well as the phenomenon of “information hunger”, which undermines trust in institutions and causes social polarization. This situation requires science not only to state these changes but also to engage in their deep philosophical comprehension. Therefore, studying the role of information as a driving force of change is critical for understanding the nature of contemporary society and allows for the development of effective mechanisms to protect against new threats.