Problem setting. The article examines the role of the media in social and psychological adaptation of internally displaced persons. It is proved that social and psychological adaptation is a multi-faceted phenomenon, the most significant characteristics of which are the following ones: social and psychological adaptation is the process of “entering” of an individual into a social environment; is a two-way interaction between the individual and the group, the result of which is changes both in the personality and in the group; getting into a new group, the person changes his/her status and key characteristics; in the process of social and psychological adaptation the goals, expectations, requirements of the person and the group are agreed; the components of value-motivational sphere; the successful realization of social and psychological adaptation requires the presence of positive social settings (“social interest”) of the individual and group, the interest of the parties in the interaction; activity of the person is necessary for effective social and psychological adaptation (“social activity”), its personal qualities (maturity, self-actualization, etc.), relevant psychological resource.
It is revealed that in addition to public authorities, local governments, public organizations, the mass media is the regulator of adaptation of the internally displaced persons. The indicated media function allows them to be included into the system of multilevel IDP adaptation management.
Recent research and publications analysis. A conclusion is drawn regarding the negative impact of the media on the description of events related to the situation with IDPs. In connection with this the following outcomes are indicated:
Contacts of journalists with the internally displaced persons. Often, while interviewing, the journalists try to get a description of “the most terrible” facts that caused the forced relocation. This leads to the so-called “secondary traumatism”.
Interpretation of events. Often the emphasis is on unresolved issues, lack of support, and thus a feeling of helplessness and impotence appear. In practice, the media often use techniques to worsen the effects of forced relocation.
Focusing on finding the causes and perpetrators of what has happened. This is a dead end situation, because it focuses on the past, which can not be changed. This search only reinforces the feeling of hopelessness, guilt and hatred. The media almost never emphasize “how” to make sure that this will not happen in the future.
It is noted that in this period of time to talk about the socio-therapeutic function of the media, which should be aimed at treating people from frustration, the formation of a tolerant, tolerant attitude towards people who “are not like us.” As noted in the literature, tolerance – is tolerance, indulgence in the shortcomings of others, the ability of man, society, state to hear and respect the opinions of others, to be hostile to opinions that are different from their own, the ability to understand another person, care and understand other people’s feelings. Used as an antipode to aggression, malice and irritability.
Highlighting previously unsettled parts of the general problem. In this regard, it is proposed to consider unacceptable: “shooting” a person “unexpectedly” at the time of acute grief or despair (such favorite video scene shows in Ukrainian media, when they talk about their losses through their tears); showing a person in a situation of humiliation that offends him/her human dignity (a demonstration of the terrible places of resettlement of the internally displaced persons, the arrival of “high guests” and “meeting with the people”, etc.); demonstration of moral and physical bullying; direct or indirect justification for actions that have caused the suffering of internally displaced persons; direct or indirect condemnation of the internally displaced persons; an appeal to collective repentance, a requirement for the internally displaced persons to recognize themselves as guests and behave accordingly; sarcasm or humor regarding internally displaced persons.
Paper main body. It is determined that in order to provide information-psychological safety of the IDPs, potentially stress-related information should correspond to a number of conditions: constructive description of problems (showing people in a state of active overcoming of existing problems); analysis of possible means of constructive overcoming of difficulties; informing on the progress of the solution of the problem and its solution; provision of psychological support to internally displaced persons (demonstration of social approval and assistance). Materials about internally displaced persons should not end with statements such as “Who will help?”, “Who responds to other humans?”, “Where to search for justice?”. That creates an effect of incomplete action and may turn into a loss of hope and faith.
Conclusions of the research and prospects for further studies. It is concluded that the media influence the social attitudes of its audience, changing opinions, shaping evaluation and stimulating behavior. The image of social reality created by the media influences the audience, forming a subjective image. Depending on the nature of the image created, perceptions of what is happening change, which can lead either to the assimilation of social norms, values, patterns of acceptable behavior, or to the rejection of social reality. In the process of social and psychological adaptation, forced internally displaced persons, representatives of the group with which they are in contact, form social attitudes towards each other, which can either be consolidated or adjusted through the media. The image created will be influenced not only by the objective social situation, but also by the subjective social attitudes of journalists, through the prism of which information material is created. representatives of the contact group and ultimately – in the process of socio-psychological adaptation. The conclusion is made on the necessity of indirect regulation of the description of internally displaced persons by the media from the state authorities (Ministry of Information Policy of Ukraine, Ministry of Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine), local self-government bodies, NGOs and journalists’ associations.
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