Network conflicts as an essential characteristic of deviant behavior: a socio-anthropological perspective on the research

Evgeniy Babosov; Julia Bankovskaya

UDC

101.8 316.3

VAK Russia

5.4.4 5.3.9

NETWORK CONFLICTS AS AN ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTIC OF DEVIANT BEHAVIOR: A SOCIO-ANTHROPOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE ON THE RESEARCH Network conflicts as an essential characteristic of deviant behavior: a socio-anthropological perspective on the research

АА Аа

Published in Russian Journal of Deviant Behavior · Pages 226–239 · Rubric: Anthropology of deviant behavior

Received: 02.06.2026 Accepted: 03.07.2026 Published: 30.07.2026

Authors

Evgeniy Babosov

Julia Bankovskaya

ORCID

Evgeniy Babosov

Academic degree: doctor of philosophical sciences

Science rang: professor

State Scientific Institution “Institute of Sociology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus” Chief Researcher · Department of Sociology of Public Administration · Belarus · Minsk

Julia Bankovskaya

Academic degree: doctor of philosophical sciences

Science rang: docent

Belarusian State University professor · Department of Cultural Studies · Belarus · Minsk

ORCID

ABSTRACT

Introduction. The relevance of a socio-anthropological approach to the study of online conflicts stems from the contradictory nature of the development of information and communication technologies. It is particularly important to clarify the specific ways in which information influences the value systems and ethical norms of online users, as well as their perception and understanding of the world. Exploring the multifaceted nature of the phenomenon of “online conflict” through the prism of deviant behavior focuses on identifying the specific manifestations of aggression, the deliberate distortion of information and the undermining of social foundations in the online space. Symbolic capital acts as a significant resource that initiates socio-cultural transformations and the emergence of a new form of electronically mediated discourse; it creates favourable conditions for the management of social processes, which is a prerequisite for understanding the specific nature of modern warfare. The research aims to conduct a conceptual and theoretical investigation of the socio-anthropological nature of online conflicts as a manifestation of deviant behavior. In this context, the intensification of conflicts serves as a means of reflecting the sentiments of various social groups, whilst the destructive use of information weapons is geared towards shaping a value-laden and meaningful representation of existing social problems. Consequently, symbolic constructs acquire military and economic power, transforming the sphere of human activity and complicating the geopolitical trajectory of the unfolding of contradictions. Research methods. The methodology of network and synergetic approaches offers considerable heuristic potential for studying this phenomenon, as it enables the analysis of unstable, multidimensional and contradictory processes characteristic of today’s turbulent social reality and helps to identify the specific nature of network interactions between individuals, which is determined by the structural organisation of the network. Results. The main findings of the research demonstrate that networks expand the possibilities for the dissemination of unverified information, transforming the channels through which information is transmitted and the mechanisms by which it is internalised by the individual. By encroaching on all spheres of human life and erasing spatial and temporal boundaries, the uncontrolled consumption of false information leads to the escalation of conflicts. In this regard, identifying the essential characteristics of online conflicts forms the basis for seeking and adopting effective solutions aimed at safeguarding the security of the development and existence of society and the state.

KEYWORDS

online conflict, deviant behavior, consciousness, manipulation, information

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Babosov E. M., Bankovskaya J. L. Network conflicts as an essential characteristic of deviant behavior: a socio-anthropological perspective on the research // . 2026. pp. 226-239. (Date of access 19.08.2026).

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Evgeniy Babosov, Bankovskaya J. L.. "Network conflicts as an essential characteristic of deviant behavior: a socio-anthropological perspective on the research." (2026): 226-239.

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Babosov E. M., Bankovskaya J. L. (2026). Network conflicts as an essential characteristic of deviant behavior: a socio-anthropological perspective on the research. , 226-239.

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Evgeniy Babosov, Bankovskaya J. L.. "Network conflicts as an essential characteristic of deviant behavior: a socio-anthropological perspective on the research." , no. (2026): 226-239.

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{{cite journal | author = Babosov E. M., Bankovskaya J. L. | title = Network conflicts as an essential characteristic of deviant behavior: a socio-anthropological perspective on the research | journal = | year = 2026 | pages = 226-239 }}

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NETWORK CONFLICTS AS AN ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTIC OF DEVIANT BEHAVIOR: A SOCIO-ANTHROPOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE ON THE RESEARCH Network conflicts as an essential characteristic of deviant behavior: a socio-anthropological perspective on the research

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