SOCIAL NETWORKS IN POLITICS
The paper studies the problems of using social networks for political purposes; describes the mechanisms for using social networks to present an image of a political figure, promote political media projects, participate in the electoral processes, and fight political competition. The paper analyzes means of political presence on social networks, ways of presenting political agenda, and ways of influencing and manipulating public opinion. Any political force today is seeking to use social media for promotion as they provide easy and fast access to a large audience and quickly reach its target group. Social networks today are the best platform for political advertising and political PR-campaigns. Successful interaction between political activists and network users is achieved by such features of social networks as interactivity and speedy feedback. Virtual social networks are not only a communication technology but also a powerful tool of competition, including in the political sphere.