The Role of public opinions on society security: a socio-cultural approach

ENPublic opinion is a very important phenomenon of expression of democracy, which is relevant in times of crisis and extreme situations. Emerging challenges in times of crisis and extreme situations have an unavoidable impact on national and society security. Currently, the Lithuanian state and society are struggling with the spread of COVID-19 disease as a global pandemics. This struggle is reflected in various sections of public opinion. Public opinion can both strengthen and weaken the subjective security of society members. The article analyzes the social role of public opinion on society security from a socio-cultural point of view. Therefore, the definition of society security from a socio-cultural point of view is detailed, and the content of the psychological and informational-communicative aspects of the impact of public opinion on public consciousness and behaviour is revealed. These methodological tools are designed to examine the dissemination of the content of public opinion during of the fight against COVID-19 disease. A socio-cultural approach is an interpretation of human relations, their interaction and expression of activity on the basis of respect for natural rights. It is the respect for natural rights – the life, health, freedom and property of the individual - that is the fundamental basis of being independent people. Based on the data of the study conducted, it can be stated, that politicised and polarised public opinion not only influences a deceleration of vaccination rates, but also can be seen as an additional source of subjective insecurity among society members and as a starting point for the formation of a new system of values. [From the publication]