INSTAGRAM AS A TOOL OF CİVİC JOURNALİSM: ANALYSİS OF YOUTH MEDİA INİTİATİVES İN KYRGYZSTAN

Abstract In the context of the development of digital technologies and the growing role of social networks in information dissemination, Instagram is becoming an important platform for expressing civic positions, highlighting social issues, and implementing youth media initiatives. This article examines the potential of Instagram as a tool of civic journalism in Kyrgyzstan. Based on the analysis of four popular youth-oriented pages (limon_kg, checkit_media, idea_ca, we_project), the article identifies key features and common formats of information delivery. The study shows that the platform enables young creators to respond promptly to socially significant events and influence the public agenda. The article offers recommendations for strengthening Instagram’s role in the development of civic journalism.