Paper short abstract:

This paper presents on how digital tools particularly social media outlets enable Nenets to communicate to broader audience. Through an observational approach, I examine how and for what purpose certain digital output is created. I will present on benefits and limitations of collecting digital data.

Paper long abstract:

Digital platforms like Instragram and Youtube allow for passive and active participation with the content. However, even with passive participation, a researcher like myself , can be fully immersed in a discourse of a specific group. I am examining how Nenets use social media to unite, educate and promote their cultural identity. Social media has a vast reach and therefore is actively utilized by this indigenous group.

There is a lot of criticism of social media, however social media also carried a lot of power then if come to promoting and advancing groups' goals. Indigenous groups using social media can strengthen its cultural and ethnic ties to the community through content, and encourage a sense of belonging for those who are removed from cultural practices. However, depending on the social media outlet their voices can be silenced and pages closed.

Nonetheless, with all the limitations and state monitoring, Nenets are still able to produce content that aims to educate the global public on their culture, strengthen community ties and create digital space of belonging. Is it also evident that digital means of communication and dissemination is a preferred method by youth, therefore researching how social media is used and the expansion and diversification of messaging is essential to understanding the evolution of Nenets’ cultural values.