Social media and public opinion formation in times of war: A case study from Ukraine

The purpose of the study is to identify the impact of social media on the formation of public opinion in Ukraine. In the context of the war in Ukraine, public opinion plays a crucial role in resistance, morale, and support for government policies. This study examines the impact of social media use on the formation of Ukrainian public opinion during the conflict. Using a survey methodology (N=310), the relationship between social media use, interpersonal trust (ITS), and Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) was assessed. Results reveal that active social media use is associated with lower interpersonal trust and a pronounced FOMO syndrome (R²=0.571), suggesting a reduced ability for critical evaluation of information. These findings have implications for the development of communication strategies, public policies, and psychosocial interventions aimed at counteracting disinformation and promoting informed public opinion in times of conflict.