Мир закона

МРНТИ/SCSTI 10.27.00

УДК/UDC 340

 

Istay Gulsezim Asylbekkyzy — 3rd-year student, K. Zhubanov Aktobe Regional University, majoring in law (Republic of Kazakhstan, Aktobe);

Sagiyeva Galiya Kadyrbayevna — senior lecturer of the department of law, K. Zhubanov Aktobe Regional University, candidate of legal sciences, notary (Republic of Kazakhstan, Aktobe)

CONFLICTS IN THE DIGITAL SOCIETY: MODERN APPROACHES TO RESOLVING DISPUTES IN SOCIAL NETWORKS AND MESSAGING PLATFORMS THROUGH MEDIATION

Annotation. This article examines the nature and characteristics of conflicts arising in the digital society, particularly within social networks and messaging platforms. The study analyzes the main causes of online disputes, including cyberbullying, the spread of misinformation, aggressive communication, and differences in opinions. It also explores the impact of these phenomena on individuals’ psychological well-being, social relations, and the legal system.

Special attention is given to mediation as an alternative method of dispute resolution in the digital environment. The principles, advantages, and modern tools of online mediation are discussed in detail. Based on international experience, effective models of digital mediation are identified, and the possibilities of their implementation within the national legal framework are analyzed.

Furthermore, the article evaluates the current state of mediation development in Kazakhstan and its potential in regulating digital conflicts. Practical recommendations are proposed to prevent, manage, and resolve online disputes in a peaceful manner.

In addition, the study highlights the importance of digital ethics, online communication culture, and legal awareness in preventing conflicts. Particular attention is paid to conflicts among youth and adolescents in the online environment, along with pedagogical and legal approaches to their resolution. The author emphasizes the growing importance of mediation in the context of rapidly developing digital technologies. The findings aim to enhance legal culture, promote responsible online behavior, and ensure social stability in the digital age.

Keywords: conflictology, mediation, digital society, social networks, cyber conflict, online disputes, cyberbullying, virtual aggression.

Истай Гүлсезім Асылбекқызы — Қ. Жұбанов атындағы Ақтөбе өңірлік уни­вер­ситетінің 3-курс студенті, «Құқықтану» мамандығы (Қазақстан Респуб­ли­ка­сы, Ақтөбе қ.);

Сагиева Ғалия Кадырбайқызы — Қ. Жұбанов атындағы Ақтөбе өңірлік университетінің құқықтану кафедрасының аға оқытушысы, заң ғылымдарының кандидаты, нотариус (Қазақстан Республикасы, Ақтөбе қ.)

ЦИФРЛЫҚ ҚОҒАМДАҒЫ ҚАҚТЫҒЫСТАР: ӘЛЕУМЕТТІК ЖЕЛІЛЕР МЕН МЕССЕНДЖЕРЛЕРДЕГІ ДАУЛАРДЫ МЕДИАЦИЯ АРҚЫЛЫ ШЕШУДІҢ ЗАМАНАУИ ТӘСІЛДЕРІ

Түйін. Бұл мақалада цифрлық қоғам жағдайында әлеуметтік желілер мен мес­ сенджерлерде туындайтын қақтығыстардың мәні мен ерекшеліктері кешенді түрде қарастырылады. Автор онлайн кеңістіктегі даулардың негізгі себептерін, соның ішін­де кибербуллинг, жалған ақпарат тарату, агрессивті коммуникация және пікір қай­шылықтарын ғылыми тұрғыдан талдайды. Сонымен қатар, мұндай қақтығыс­тардың жеке тұлғаның психологиялық жағдайына, әлеуметтік қатынастарға және құқықтық тәртіпке тигізетін әсері сипатталады.

Зерттеуде цифрлық ортадағы дауларды шешудің баламалы тәсілі ретінде ме­диация институтының рөліне ерекше назар аударылады. Онлайн медиацияның қа­ғи­даттары, артықшылықтары және оны қолданудың заманауи құралдары қарас­ты­ры­лады. Халықаралық тәжірибелер негізінде цифрлық медиацияның тиімді мо­дель­дері сипатталып, оларды ұлттық құқықтық жүйеге енгізу мүмкіндіктері талда­нады.

Сондай-ақ, Қазақстандағы медиация институтының даму деңгейі мен цифр­лық қақтығыстарды реттеудегі әлеуеті бағаланады. Мақалада цифрлық ортадағы даулардың алдын алу, тиімді басқару және бейбіт жолмен шешу үшін практикалық ұсыныстар ұсынылады.

Қосымша ретінде, зерттеуде цифрлық этика, онлайн қарым-қатынас мәдениеті және құқықтық сауаттылық деңгейінің қақтығыстардың алдын алудағы маңызы атап өтіледі. Сондай-ақ, жасөспірімдер мен жастар арасындағы интернет кеңіс­ті­гін­дегі даулардың ерекшеліктері талданып, оларды реттеудің педагогикалық және құқықтық тәсілдері ұсынылады. Автор цифрлық медианың қарқынды дамуы жағ­дайында медиацияның рөлін күшейту қажеттігін негіздейді. Зерттеу нәтижелері цифрлық қоғамда құқықтық мәдениетті арттыруға және әлеуметтік тұрақтылықты қамтамасыз етуге бағытталған.

Түйінді сөздер: конфликтология, медиация, цифрлық қоғам, әлеуметтік желі­лер, киберқақтығыс, онлайн даулар, кибербуллинг, виртуалды агрессия.

Истай Гүлсезім Асылбекқызы — студентка 3 курса Актюбинского регионального университета имени К. Жубанова, специальность «Юрис­пру­ден­ция» (Республика Казахстан, г. Актобе);

Сагиева Галия Кадырбаевна — старший преподаватель кафедры юрис­пру­денции Актюбинского регионального университета имени К. Жубанова, кандидат юридических наук, нотариус (Республика Казахстан, г. Актобе)

КОНФЛИКТЫ В ЦИФРОВОМ ОБЩЕСТВЕ: СОВРЕМЕННЫЕ СПОСОБЫ РАЗРЕШЕНИЯ СПОРОВ В СОЦИАЛЬНЫХ СЕТЯХ И МЕССЕНДЖЕРАХ ПОСРЕДСТВОМ МЕДИАЦИИ

Аннотация. В данной статье рассматриваются особенности и природа конф­лик­тов, возникающих в условиях цифрового общества в социальных сетях и мес­сен­джерах. Автор анализирует основные причины онлайн-конфликтов, включая ки­бербуллинг, распространение ложной информации, агрессивную коммуни­ка­цию и расхождения во мнениях. Также раскрывается влияние подобных явлений на психологическое состояние личности, общественные отношения и правовую систему.

Особое внимание уделяется медиации как альтернативному способу разреше­ния споров в цифровой среде. Рассматриваются принципы онлайн-медиации, ее пре­имущества и современные инструменты применения. На основе междуна­род­ного опыта анализируются эффективные модели цифровой медиации и возмож­нос­ти их внедрения в национальную правовую систему.

Кроме того, оценивается уровень развития института медиации в Казахстане и его потенциал в регулировании цифровых конфликтов. В статье предлагаются практические рекомендации по предотвращению, управлению и мирному раз­ре­шению онлайн-споров.

Дополнительно в исследовании подчеркивается значение цифровой этики, куль­туры онлайн-коммуникации и уровня правовой грамотности в преду­преж­дении конфликтов. Особое внимание уделяется анализу конфликтов среди моло­де­жи и подростков в интернет-пространстве, а также предлагаются педагогические и правовые механизмы их урегулирования. Автор обосновывает необходимость уси­ления роли медиации в условиях стремительного развития цифровых техно­логий. Результаты исследования направлены на повышение правовой культуры и укрепление социальной стабильности.

Ключевые слова: конфликтология, медиация, цифровое общество, социаль­ные сети, киберконфликт, онлайн-споры, кибербуллинг, виртуальная агрессия.

 

Introduction. The 21st century is the era of digitalisation. The rapid development of information and communication technologies has fundamentally changed the structure of social, economic, political and cultural relations in society. At present, the majority of people conduct their interactions via social networks, messengers and various online platforms. While this process has facilitated communication and accelerated information exchange, it has also paved the way for new types of conflicts.

Conflicts in the digital space are characterised by a number of features that distinguish them from traditional interpersonal conflicts. In particular, their borderless nature, anonymity, the large number of participants, and the uncontrolled, rapid spread of information contribute to the escalation of conflicts. In such circumstances, traditional legal regulatory mechanisms are not always effective. In this regard, mediation, one of the alternative dispute resolution methods, is of particular importance[1].

Mediation is the process by which conflicting parties reach a mutual agreement with the help of a neutral third party. It is widely used not only for resolving legal disputes but also for settling social and psychological conflicts. The application of mediation in the digital environment helps to reduce societal tensions and ensure social stability.

Understanding and characteristics of conflicts in the digital environment.

A digital conflict is an interpersonal or intergroup dispute that takes place via the internet and online platforms. Such conflicts manifest in the form of debates on social networks, cyberbullying, trolling, hate speech, the spread of fake information, and online coercion[2].

The main characteristics of digital conflicts include the following:

• anonymity and reduced accountability;
• rapid dissemination of information;
• the breadth of the audience;
• heightened emotional reactions;
• weakening of social norms.

Anonymity allows individuals to feel safe and to behave aggressively. This pheno­menon leads to breaches of ethical norms on social networks and an increase in hateful and insulting behaviour. Furthermore, as it is more difficult to perceive genuine emotion in an online environment, people often fail to consider the consequences of their words.

In contemporary scientific literature, digital conflicts are divided into several main types. Each is characterised by its own specific features and influences the socio-psychological climate of society to varying degrees.

1. Cyberbullying is the systematic act of insulting, demeaning, mocking, intimidating and psychologically pressuring an individual or group via the internet and social networks. Although this phenomenon is most prevalent among teenagers and young people, it is also common among adults. The main characteristics of cyberbullying are its persistence and public nature. As the abusive content is publicly accessible, the victim feels vulnerable and experiences psychological distress. Studies have shown that cyberbullying is one of the main factors contributing to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and social isolation. In severe cases, it can lead to a loss of interest in life and even suicidal thoughts.
2. Online controversies are disagreements that arise on social networks and forums around political, social, cultural, religious, and ideological topics. These controversies are often emotional in nature and lead to mutual accusations and aggression instead of con­structive dialogue. The escalation of online disputes is caused by the distortion of in­formation, the spread of fake news, and the influence of social stereotypes. Such conflicts intensify polarisation in society and lower the level of trust between social groups.
3. Trolling is an act in the online space aimed at provoking an emotional reaction through deliberate provocation. Trolls often use anonymous accounts to leave sharp, provocative comments. Their primary aim is to provoke arguments, anger people and create psychological discomfort. The widespread prevalence of trolling leads to a weakening of ethical norms in the digital environment and an increase in aggression.
4. Hate speech consists of words and opinions filled with hatred directed against a specific social, ethnic, religious, or cultural group. Such content intensifies social discord and paves the way for discrimination and stigmatisation. Hate speech increases intolerance in society and threatens social stability.
5. The spread of fake news – manipulating public opinion through false or distorted information. This phenomenon is a key catalyst for digital conflicts. Fake news amplifies people’s emotional reactions, creating mistrust and fear. As a result, mass panic and disputes arise on social media, and the level of information security in society decreases[3].

Materials and methods. Based on the scientific literature serving as the source material, digital conflicts and their specific characteristics have been analyzed. Overall, these types of digital conflicts manifest as an interconnected and reinforcing complex social phenomenon. Therefore, their effective regulation requires the application of comprehensive legal, psychological, and mediatory mechanisms.

Discussion and Results. As key factors contributing to the emergence of conflicts in the digital space, low information literacy, insufficient critical thinking skills, low emotional intelligence, intercultural differences, and social inequality and frustration are cited[4].

A lack of information literacy leads people to accept information from the internet uncritically, believe false data, and form opinions based on emotional reactions. This, in turn, leads to the emergence of baseless accusations and disputes.

A lack of critical thinking skills leads to an individual’s inability to assess the veracity of information, their refusal to accept alternative viewpoints, and the making of biased decisions. In such a situation, diversity of opinion is perceived not as conflict, but as confrontation.

A low level of emotional intelligence leads a person to have difficulty managing their own emotions and increases their propensity for aggression. As a result, even minor disagreements can escalate into serious conflicts.

Cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings due to the distinct values and worldviews of various social, national, and religious groups. Social inequality and frustration, in turn, intensify an individual’s internal dissatisfaction, leading them to express it aggressively in the online space.

Low information literacy leads people to believe fake information and to form aggressive opinions based on false data. Moreover, low emotional intelligence causes individuals to struggle to manage their own emotions and to resort to aggression rather than resolving conflicts constructively.

The theoretical foundations of mediation and its role in the digital environment.

The theory of mediation is closely linked to the science of conflictology. Its primary aim is to restore dialogue between the parties and achieve mutual understanding. During the mediation process, the mediator adheres to the principles of neutrality, confidentiality, voluntariness and equality[5].

In the digital environment, mediation is conducted online. Online mediation is a negotiation process conducted via videoconference, chat, email, or specialised platforms. Its advantages include speed, accessibility, the absence of geographical constraints, and the saving of time and financial resources.

Modern approaches to online mediation.

Currently, several effective methods of online mediation are used:

• synchronous mediation (via video call);
• asynchronous mediation (chat, email);
• hybrid format (a combination of online and offline methods);
• automated mediation platforms.

Several effective methods of online mediation are currently used. Among these, synchronous mediation via video call is conducted in real time, allowing the parties to establish a direct dialogue, monitor their emotional state, and receive immediate feedback. This approach builds trust and enhances the effectiveness of negotiations.

Asynchronous mediation is conducted via chat or email, allowing parties to express their thoughts at their own pace and with careful consideration. This format is particularly effective in situations of high emotional tension, as it reduces aggression and facilitates constructive dialogue.

The hybrid format involves a combination of online and offline mediation methods. This model offers flexibility in resolving complex disputes, allowing parties to utilise the benefits of both in-person meetings and remote communication.

Automated mediation platforms, based on algorithms and artificial intelligence, perform initial dispute analysis, offer recommendations, and draft settlement agreements. This approach saves time and financial resources, increasing the accessibility of the mediation process [6].

These approaches create a favourable environment for the conflicting parties and in­crease the effectiveness of negotiations. Mediation via chat is particularly effective among young people, as written communication is psychologically easier for them to accept.

Prospects for the development of digital mediation in Kazakhstan.

In Kazakhstan, the institution of mediation is legally enshrined and is gradually developing. However, online mediation is still not sufficiently developed. In this regard, it is necessary to create specialised digital platforms, train professional mediators, and increase the population’s legal and digital literacy.

Fostering a culture of mediation in educational institutions, youth organisations, and government bodies can be an effective mechanism for preventing digital conflicts. Furthermore, it is important to introduce standards of responsible behaviour on social media.

Conclusion. In today’s digital society, social networks and messengers have become an integral part of a person’s daily life. However, this expansion of the communicative space has led to the emergence of new types of conflicts. Cyberbullying, virtual aggression, hate speech, the dissemination of fake information and online disputes pose a significant threat to an individual’s psychological well-being, social stability in society, and the rule of law. The distinctive features of these conflicts are their rapid spread, anonymity, large number of participants, and high level of emotional escalation, which makes it difficult to resolve them through traditional mechanisms.

In this regard, mediation emerges as one of the most effective tools for the peaceful resolution of conflicts in the digital space. Online mediation allows for the restoration of dialogue between the parties, the fostering of mutual understanding, the reduction of emotional tension, and the prevention of protracted disputes. Furthermore, mediation is not only a tool for resolving conflict but also plays a vital role as a social institution that fosters a culture of law, responsible communication, and tolerance in society.

In the context of Kazakhstan, developing digital mediation is of strategic importance. In this regard, it is necessary to improve the legal framework, train professional mediators, establish online platforms and enhance the digital and legal literacy of the population. Fostering a culture of mediation within the education system, among young people and in public organisations can serve as an effective mechanism for preventing digital conflicts in the future.

In conclusion, resolving conflicts in a digital society is not limited to legal measures alone but requires a comprehensive social, psychological, and cultural approach. In this comprehensive system, the institution of mediation is one of the main pillars for maintaining social stability, strengthening social harmony, and fostering a culture of peaceful dialogue.

References

1. Fisher R., & Ury W. Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In. — New York: Penguin Books, 2011. — 204 p. // https://www.rhetoricinstitute.edu.gr/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/fisher-getting-to-yes.pdf
2. Bauman S. Cyberbullying: What Counselors Need to Know. — New York: Routledge, 2014. — 216 p. // https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2010-18468-000
3. Livingstone S., & Haddon L. Children, Risk and Safety Online. — Bristol: Policy Press, 2009. — 384 p. // https://researchonline.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/30130/1/Kids_on­line_introduction_%28LSERO%29.pdf
4. Goleman D. Emotional Intelligence. — New York: Bantam Books, 1995. — 352 p. // https://donainfo.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/emotional-intelligence-daniel-goleman.pdf
5. Moore C. W. The Mediation Process: Practical Strategies for Resolving Conflict. — San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2014. — 576 p. // https://download.e-bookshelf.de/download/0002/3724/53/L-G-0002372453-0003337617.pdf
6. Katsh E., & Rifkin J. Online Dispute Resolution. — San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2001. — 256 p. // https://www.lex-electronica.org/files/sites/103/10-2_benyekhlef-gelinas.pdf