Abstract

The paper provides a conceptual study of network conflict phenomenon, identifying the essence and specifics of its manifestation in the social system. The process of modifying the system of social interaction, which leads to the formation of many political, economic and social contradictions, contributes to the formation of network conflicts. The paper identifies such essential characteristics of network processes that affect the dynamics of a conflict situation, such as, first, physical distance and the anonymity of network actors. They contribute to the formation of a sense of responsibility lack for the consequences of the conflict, create the illusion of absence rules, which can lead to a wrong perception of the problem and increase conflict. Secondly, sensory reduction, the inability to create a complete image with visual information leads to a deterioration of mutual understanding. Third, the appearance of the illusion of understanding the actor’s actions due to the creation of a distorted representation and incorrect perception of the information provided. Fourth, the absence of sanctions for violating values and norms makes it impossible to control the development of a conflict situation. Fifth, shortening the time interval for transmitting information creates, on the one hand, opportunities to control the speed of communication and forms additional opportunities for thinking about the problem, on the other hand, leads to the creation of the illusion of control over the situation. The article deals with the ontological, phenomenological and axiological modes of interaction of network structures in the situation of conflict confrontation. The paper concludes that the most effective way to reduce the impact of destabilizing factors on the system is systematically changing the network of interactions between its structural elements. Any system tends to adapt to the changed conditions of existence. Lack of regulation can lead to the destruction of network education. At the same time, the transformation of the conflicting form of interaction between actors leads to a change in the network. The study of conflicts, features and specifics of network elements interaction is practically significant, because this analysis will help to detect and activate integrative social mechanisms.