CC BY
0THE CULTURE OF VIRTUAL COMMUNITIES IN KAZAKHSTAN: HOW IT TECHNOLOGIES CREATE NEW FORMS OF SOCIAL IDENTITY AND INTERACTION
TANABAYEVA ANAR SADUAKASOVNA
PhD, Assistant-Professor International Information Technologies University
BERIKKAZINOV ARNUR
International Information Technologies University Student of the 2nd year, Information technologies, information systems
ZHENIS DIDAR
International Information Technologies University Student of the 2nd year, Information technologies, information systems
Abstract. The rapid development of information technologies and the widespread penetration of the internet in Kazakhstan have led to new forms of social identity and digital interaction, which have dramatically transformed the country's sociocultural environment. Virtual communities have become an integral part of Kazakhstani culture, influencing social processes and shaping national cultural trends. This article explores how IT technologies contribute to the development of social and cultural identity among Kazakhstani people in online spaces, where traditions, cultural heritage, and current social issues are discussed. Virtual communities offer Kazakhstani citizens unique opportunities for self-expression, strengthening national values, and exchanging ideas amid globalization.
The article also examines the specifics of interaction within virtual communities, their role in creating new subcultures, and the spread of Kazakhstani internet folklore. The impact of these communities on cultural processes is illustrated by examples of Kazakhstani bloggers on TikTok and YouTube, who create and share unique content formats tailored to the interests of local audiences. These platforms not only promote national cultural content but also play a crucial role in shaping collective identity.
Despite the positive aspects, virtual communities face certain challenges, such as cyberbullying, cybersecurity issues, and limitations on freedom of speech. The article highlights the need for further digital literacy development and legal regulation to ensure the safe and effective functioning of these communities.
Keywords: virtual communities, social identity, IT technologies, cultural heritage, national identity, online environment, civic engagement, cybersecurity, globalization, digital transformation.
Introduction
In recent years, Kazakhstan has been rapidly advancing in digital transformation, affecting all areas of social life. The development of information and communication technologies (ICT) has had a profound impact on social and cultural processes in the country. According to the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan, internet penetration in the country has exceeded 80%, providing a large portion of Kazakhstani citizens with access to the network and the opportunity to participate in virtual communities. Virtual platforms have become not only a means of communication but also a powerful tool for shaping public opinion and supporting civic engagement.
Digital communities offer unique opportunities for exchanging ideas, discussing relevant social issues, and creating new forms of interaction that were previously impossible in offline environments. Virtual spaces have become an essential part of Kazakhstani daily life, enabling people to easily find like-minded individuals, regardless of geographical location, and participate in discussions on various topics-ranging from culture and history to politics and economics. Economist D.Kulmukhametova
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notes, "Digital platforms and virtual communities are key factors in maintaining social connections and providing opportunities for self-expression" [1].
However, the rapid development of virtual communities is accompanied by a number of challenges, such as cybersecurity, cyberbullying, and data privacy issues. Human rights advocate Arman Toksynov points out that restrictions on freedom of speech and content control on the internet can pose a serious obstacle to the formation of independent virtual communities and open discussion of important social topics [2]. For the sustainable development of virtual communities in Kazakhstan, both legislative initiatives and the enhancement of digital literacy among users are needed to ensure safe and effective online interaction.
Early Forms of Online Communication
The formation of virtual communities in Kazakhstan began in the late 1990s with the penetration of the internet into daily life. The first internet forums and chat rooms became popular platforms for communication, offering users unique opportunities to exchange views on relevant topics. Among the first well-known internet platforms were "Kazakhstan Online" and "Center of Gravity," which attracted users looking for a new format of communication. These platforms enabled Kazakhstani citizens to find like-minded people and discuss a wide range of issues, from news and culture to politics and personal interests. Researcher A. Kairatov notes that the emergence of the first forums and chat rooms was a real breakthrough, as it was the first experience for Kazakhstani people to create their own digital communities, fostering cultural exchange and strengthening social ties [3]. These early forms of communication played an important role in shaping Kazakhstani digital culture, laying the foundation for future internet communities. They allowed not only information exchange but also the formation of specialized and more structured virtual communities.
Development of Social Networks and Virtual Worlds
The evolution of virtual communities in Kazakhstan continued with the development of social networks and virtual worlds, such as online games. In the early 2000s, social networks began to integrate actively into the daily lives of Kazakhstani people. Alongside popular international platforms like Facebook and Instagram, local social networks targeting Kazakhstani audiences, such as "My World" on the Mail.ru platform and the domestic "ON.kz," emerged. These local platforms allowed discussions on topics relevant to Kazakhstan and the sharing of content related to national culture. Sociologist G. Seisembayeva believes that the development of social networks, such as 'ON.kz,' contributed to the creation of a Kazakhstani online identity, allowing users to share local news and cultural events [4]. These networks became communication platforms, as well as venues for promoting local businesses and cultural events.
Online games also gained significant popularity, especially among young people who are actively involved in virtual gaming communities. Kazakhstani gamers create clans, participate in esports tournaments like Dota 2 and Counter-Strike, which have become part of youth subculture. In 2018, the Kazakhstan Federation of Esports was officially recognized, confirming the importance of virtual gaming communities and the development of esports as an industry. Virtual gaming worlds foster teamwork, strategic thinking, and leadership skills. Esports analyst Erlan Sadykov notes, "Kazakhstan's youth actively embrace virtual gaming spaces, and the official recognition of esports opens up new opportunities for them" [5]. Online games are not only entertainment but also an opportunity for young people to develop valuable skills and build a career in the rapidly growing field of esports.
Thus, the development of virtual communities in Kazakhstan has gone through several stages: from early social networks that helped form a national online identity to esports, which unites users around common interests and creates new forms of virtual identity.
The Concept of Social Identity in the Kazakhstan Context
In Kazakhstan, a country with a diverse population of various ethnic groups, the question of social identity holds particular significance. The multicultural composition of the population creates unique conditions for the formation of social identity, which emerges from the interaction of different cultures, languages, and traditions. Virtual communities play a vital role in this process, offering users
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the opportunity to discuss and support their national values, customs, and cultural heritage, bringing together representatives of different groups in a unified digital space. These communities become platforms where Kazakhstan people can reflect upon and reinterpret their cultural roots, reinforcing their sense of national belonging. Cultural scholar A.T. Esimkhanov highlights that in the context of globalization, the internet and virtual communities have become important tools for strengthening national identity, allowing Kazakhstani people to share cultural information and maintain their native language [6]. Indeed, virtual communities provide participants with opportunities to exchange knowledge about Kazakhstani culture, history, and traditions, which helps preserve national identity in an era of active globalization. This is particularly important for young people, who can connect with their cultural roots and values through the internet, helping them understand their role and place within Kazakhstan's multiethnic society.
Creation of Avatars and Virtual Personalities
Platforms that allow users to create avatars and virtual personas have gained popularity among Kazakhstani youth, offering unique opportunities for self-expression. Virtual worlds, such as "Second Life", as well as local Kazakhstani online games, become spaces where users can experiment with their identity, try different social roles, and express themselves in ways that may not be accessible in real life. These platforms attract users through their anonymity and the chance to explore various aspects of their personalities.
Youth, in particular, are interested in these digital spaces, as creating virtual personas allows them to interact with people from different cultures, participate in global communities, and exchange experiences. Sociologist A. Nurmagambetova states that creating virtual avatars has become an integral part of digital culture development among Kazakhstani youth, as it enables them not only to experiment with their image but also to gain a better understanding of themselves and their values in the context of global changes [7]. Virtual worlds promote self-expression and help users understand their place in society, while also providing opportunities to connect with people from other countries who share similar interests.
Thus, virtual spaces allow youth not only to broaden their horizons but also to deepen their understanding of their cultural and social identity, participating in international communities and supporting Kazakhstani culture and traditions in the context of digitalization.
Communication Tools
Kazakhstani users actively use messengers, such as Telegram and WhatsApp, which have become an essential part of everyday communication and a convenient tool for creating and managing online communities. These platforms allow for quick message exchange, multimedia sharing, and organizing interest-based groups, making them popular across various age groups in Kazakhstan. Communities based on common interests or professional connections use messengers for coordination, discussion, and event planning.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when social distancing became necessary, video conferencing services like Zoom gained widespread use. In Kazakhstan, these platforms became essential for maintaining interaction, holding meetings, education, and project work. Kazakhstani people also began using local alternatives adapted to local needs. Video conferencing tools helped sustain social activity from home, supporting morale and encouraging new forms of communication. Information technology researcher Aisultan Amangeldi notes that "video conferencing tools not only helped maintain communication during periods of isolation but also demonstrated how effectively virtual communities can organize events, share experiences, and maintain social connections even in times of crisis" [8]. Amangeldi emphasizes that online communication has spurred the development of hybrid interaction forms, combining virtual and offline spaces, opening up new opportunities for Kazakhstani society.
Collective Creativity and Civic Initiatives
Virtual communities play a significant role in organizing collective projects and supporting civic initiatives in Kazakhstan. One example is the "Open Data Kazakhstan" portal, which provides users with access to open data and a platform for analysis. Users participate in collective projects,
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develop useful services, and propose ideas aimed at solving social and environmental problems. The portal unites enthusiasts and professionals eager to contribute to public welfare. Online platforms give users the opportunity to join forces in addressing pressing issues and supporting projects focused on improving quality of life and sustainable development. For example, through "Open Data Kazakhstan," services have been created to analyze the environmental situation in major cities, drawing public attention and supporting environmental initiatives. Such projects bring together users of different ages and professions, fostering creative and civic awareness. Sociologist Aiym Zhumabekova emphasizes that "collective creativity and civic participation in virtual communities strengthen social bonds and develop a sense of responsibility among users, forming a more cohesive and informed society"[9]. Virtual communities create favorable conditions for social activity, providing users with a platform to exchange ideas, support civic projects, and inspire other participants.
Formation of New Subcultures
Virtual communities in Kazakhstan have become platforms for the emergence and development of new subcultures, whose popularity grows thanks to Kazakhstani bloggers on platforms such as TikTok and YouTube. These content creators significantly influence the youth, shaping modern trends in fashion, art, and music. Virtual platforms allow Kazakhstani bloggers to quickly convey their ideas to a wide audience, promoting unique styles and forms of self-expression. Through TikTok and YouTube, Kazakhstani bloggers inspire followers to experiment with personal style, develop an interest in music and fashion, and draw attention to contemporary art and cultural projects. As a result, unique virtual communities are formed, uniting participants around common interests and values. Some of these communities focus on music, others on visual arts, but all contribute to expanding cultural boundaries and offering new forms of expression for Kazakhstani culture.
According to cultural analyst Daniyar Suleimenov, virtual communities play a role not only in developing new subcultures but also in supporting local talents who gain popularity through their online activities, thereby strengthening Kazakhstan's cultural diversity and integrating traditional and modern forms of self-expression[10].
Spread of Memes and Internet Folklore
Social networks in Kazakhstan have become active platforms for creating and sharing internet folklore, including memes, humorous videos, and images popular among users in Kazakh and Russian languages. Kazakhstani internet folklore is an important part of virtual culture, as it not only entertains users but also reflects national humor traits, cultural stereotypes, and everyday realities. Memes and other forms of folklore act as symbols that unite users and contribute to the formation of collective identity in the digital environment.
The spread of memes strengthens social bonds, as users can share, discuss, and find common ground through these images. Memes often reflect Kazakh values, folk humor, and cultural realities, making them particularly relatable for Kazakhstani people, who can identify with these images and feel connected to their national roots. Linguist and cultural researcher Gulnaz Aitbayeva notes that Kazakhstani internet folklore, including memes, has become an essential part of the national cultural space. Due to their universality, memes and other forms of internet humor support national consciousness and unite users despite language and cultural differences [11]. G.Aitbayeva believes that internet folklore maintains a link to traditions while offering a modern view on culture, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and mutual understanding among various user groups.
Cyberbullying and Online Threats
One of the serious issues facing virtual communities in Kazakhstan is cyberbullying. This problem is particularly prevalent among youth who actively use social networks and the internet for communication and self-expression. Cyberbullying, or digital harassment, includes various forms of aggression: insults, threats, humiliation, stalking, and spreading false information. These actions can negatively impact victims' mental health, causing serious consequences for their emotional well-being.
The lack of effective mechanisms to protect against cyberbullying and insufficient legal regulation complicates the problem, as victims often cannot protect themselves or hold perpetrators accountable. Sociologist Zhanna Asylova notes that combating cyberbullying requires not only legislative measures but also educational initiatives aimed at raising youth awareness about digital safety and respectful online communication [12]. In light of the rise in cyberbullying in Kazakhstan, the need for programs to prevent online threats and create safe conditions for all participants in virtual communities is becoming evident. This requires the involvement of government bodies and educational institutions to provide youth with protection from the negative effects of the internet.
Privacy and Data Security Issues
Privacy and data security are pressing concerns for virtual communities in Kazakhstan. In recent years, incidents of cyberattacks and personal data breaches have increased, causing serious concerns among users vulnerable to cybercriminals. These threats highlight the need for cybersecurity, as users are forced to be more cautious when sharing personal information.
Recent data breaches and cyberattacks have demonstrated the inadequacy of current cybersecurity measures. Cybersecurity expert Bakhtiyar Sadykov notes that "issues of privacy and personal data protection have become crucial in the context of the rapidly growing number of internet users. The lack of reliable security measures creates conditions for data theft and other threats, undermining users' trust in virtual communities"[13]. B.Sadykov emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to data security, which includes both technical measures and enhancing digital literacy. With the popularity of virtual communities and social networks where users actively share personal data, strengthening cybersecurity measures is essential to maintaining trust and protecting against threats.
Conclusion
Virtual communities in Kazakhstan have become an integral part of modern culture and social interactions, actively influencing the formation of social identity and the preservation of cultural ties. The development of information and communication technologies (ICT) has opened up new opportunities for Kazakhstani people to communicate, express themselves, and strengthen civic engagement and social bonds. Virtual communities help Kazakhstani citizens connect with their cultural roots and national values, despite the influence of globalization and global cultural trends.
However, the growth of virtual communities is accompanied by serious challenges. Issues of cybersecurity, data protection, and privacy are becoming increasingly relevant and require special attention. Cybersecurity expert Bakhtiyar Sadykov notes that the lack of reliable data protection measures undermines users' trust in virtual platforms [14]. Enhancing cybersecurity measures and raising users' awareness about online safety are becoming priority tasks for the further development of virtual communities in Kazakhstan.
Another important issue is the limitations on freedom of speech and the need for content regulation on the internet. Human rights advocate Arman Toktasynov asserts that open discussions and freedom of expression are fundamental to the development of civil society and democratic processes in Kazakhstan [15]. Creating a legal framework that ensures a balance between user protection and freedom of speech will be a significant step toward the sustainable development of virtual communities.
Government support and the implementation of educational programs to improve digital literacy, as highlighted by legal expert A. Nurzhanova "will help foster a responsible attitude toward the internet and safe online behavior" [16]. This will form the foundation for the sustainable growth of virtual communities, enabling them to positively impact social and cultural processes in Kazakhstan and contribute to the country's harmonious development in the digital age.
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