Openness and Closedness: Ethnic Strategies of Indigenous Minorities in Virtuality vs. Reality

Abstract

This article examines the dynamics of openness and closedness in both real and virtual environments, focusing on how communities navigate these positions in relation to their physical and online interactions. It considers whether openness or closedness reflects a deliberate strategy adopted by ethnic groups, and whether virtual spaces function primarily as a means of asserting visibility to others or as an internal resource for sustaining ethnic identity. The study centers on four small-numbered Indigenous communities in Russia, drawing on a consolidated database of their social media activity from popular social networks VK, Odnoklassniki, and Telegram. The analysis reveals a strong interconnection between physical and digital spaces, highlighting how both environments shape the ways these communities express themselves culturally and socially. For instance, Besermyans adopt an open positioning to gain recognition and visibility, whereas Tubalars limit communication to within their community due to uncertain external conditions. The Soyots illustrate how geographic remoteness contributes to digital closedness, while the Nagaybaks highlight the flexibility of these strategies: under challenging circumstances, the community exhibits increased network activity and openness, which decreases during periods of relative ethnic stability. These cases collectively reveal the adaptability and mobility of contemporary Indigenous cultures. They show how virtual environments are not merely reflective of real-life processes but actively influence cultural interactions, social strategies, and the negotiation of group identity. Overall, this study demonstrates the intricate and evolving relationship between digital and physical spaces in shaping today’s indigenous communities.