MESSENGERS: ARE THEY NEW MEDIA OR EVOLUTIONARY STAGE OF SOCIAL NETWORKS DEVELOPMENT?

Abstract

The article analyzes the role of messengers in the context of their relationship with social networks. New communication services and applications, such as messengers, have become an integral part of modern social networks, but they have also entered into direct competition with them. These services develop simultaneously and parallel to social networks, and an increasing number of Internet users are choosing them, thus increasing the importance of messengers in interpersonal communication systems and media development. The article discusses whether such services constitute a separate media channel or represent a stage in the evolution of social networks, as well as considers the key characteristics of messengers, their influence on public communication, and the dynamics of interaction in the online environment. By analyzing academic sources and data from sociological and statistical studies, a deep understanding of the role of messengers in modern internet culture is offered, and their place in the evolution of social networks is discussed. This work contributes to the research by analyzing current data, developing theoretical models, and offering practical recommendations. It aims to stimulate further investigation in this area and enhance understanding of the dynamic changes in online communication.