ІНФОРМАЦІЙНО-ПСИХОЛОГІЧНІ СПЕЦОПЕРАЦІЇ В УКРАЇНІ: СПЕЦИФІКА ТА КЛАСИФІКАЦІЇ

The purpose of the research is to reveal the peculiarities of information-psychological special operations in Ukraine and to offer new classifications.

Research methodology. The research is based on the use of theoretical and empirical methods. Observations and synthesis were used to develop messages related to information-psychological special operations (IPSO) in Ukraine. The comparison of information about polls, which was published in the media, allowed the author to describe an IPSO concerning the language question. The historical method was used during the analysis of certain IPSO.

Results. The academic papers describe the specifics of preparing IPSO for implementation, as well as conditions that will contribute to the maximum impact on the consciousness of the specified target audience and the classifications that apply to such special operations.

Among the long-term IPSOs there are also those aimed at culture. At first glance, the information does not contain negativity, but the selective presentation of facts significantly distorts the truth about famous figures or certain events and phenomena, which can contribute to the cultivation of mistrust, aggression, or inferiority. One of the most powerful IPSOs, which was very actively disseminated in Ukraine, was related to the language question, but the polls of 2014, 2015, and 2024, the error of which is no more than 3.5%, indicate the selectiveness of the dissemination of information about the language question.

Novelty. In addition to the already existing classifications described by scholars, we can offer the ones described below in terms of time frame, planning, area of influence, and method of dissemination. Information-psychological special operations by time frame: short-term; long-term. By planning: planned; situational. By area of influence: local; national; international. By methods of dissemination: news in the media; publications in social networks; unwritten rumors / gossip. In some cases, people themselves contribute to the creation of messages that can be used for IPSO. If these are government officials, then such events can negatively affect the country’s international image.

Practical significance. The target audience will always be vulnerable to manipulative influences if they do not start to follow the simplest rules of media literacy. Among them are the verification of questionable messages, detailed analysis of messages with emotionally colored vocabulary, and verification of message details. Of course, it is safest to get information from verified media and develop critical thinking.

Key words: information wars, manipulation, information-psychological special operation, IPSO, communication, media.