Sociologists explain Russians' optimism towards situation in Northern Caucasus by reduction of criticism in media

The population of Russia expresses a surge of optimism in relation to the situation in Northern Caucasus and a reduction of negative expectations. This was proved by the data of the recent survey led by the Levada Centre. The sociologists believe that the Russians' attitude is affected by the absence of lack of critical articles about the situation in the region, and, besides, the Russian residents treat the incoming information less important than the information about the events in Ukraine.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that, according to the survey held by the Levada Centre on March 21-24, 2014, the population of Russia has enjoyed a surge of optimism towards the situation in the Caucasus as compared with the results of the survey held on January 24-27, 2014.

Since the beginning of 2014, the situation in Northern Caucasus remains in shadow because of the events in Ukraine. This was told to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent by Alexei Grazhdankin, the Deputy Director of the Levada Centre.

"The events in Ukraine distracted people in such a way that all the other problems began to appear non-existent for them. As a result, the number of people, who believe the situation in Northern Caucasus is calm, increased from 18% in January 2014 to 41% in March 2014. This trend continues today, since more and more people believe that in comparison with Ukraine, the situation in Northern Caucasus is calm," Alexei Grazhdankin has said.

According to Natalia Zorkaya, the head of the Division of Social and Political Studies of the Levada Centre, one more source for the optimistic attitude to the situation in Northern Caucasus is the absence of the negative information about the situation in the region in the media.

"The public is not being informed about the situation in Northern Caucasus, and too little amount of critical information is available," Natalia Zorkaya told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.