Children’s Gonzo Journalism as an Innovative Model of Social Communications (on the Exam-ple of the Program Little Adults)

Abstract

The purpose of the study is an analysis of children's gonzo journalism as an innovative model of social communications, its theoretical foundations, methodological approaches and empirical characteristics using the example of the program Little Adults, as well as the development of a conceptual model of the functioning of children's gonzo journalism.

Research methodology. To study children's gonzo journalism, a comprehensive approach was used, which includes: content analysis – to identify dominant themes, stylistic features, emotional coloring and narrative techniques in children's gonzo reports (using the example of the program Little Adults); expert interviews with teachers, psychologists and media specialists who work with children – to assess the pedagogical potential and possible risks of this format; surveys of children and parents – to identify the level of media involvement, emotional reaction and perception of gonzo journalism as a development tool; case studies – to identify successful strategies and challenges in the implementation of the Little Adults project; observation of children’s work during the creation of media content, their interaction and the dynamics of the development of communication skills and modeling – to substantiate the conceptual model of the functioning of children’s gonzo journalism and its construction.

Results. The article investigates children’s gonzo journalism as an innovative model of social communications. Its theoretical foundations, methodological approaches and empirical characteristics are revealed based on the analysis of the Little Adults program. A conceptual model of the functioning of children’s gonzo journalism is proposed. It is found that this format enhances media involvement, emotional reaction and the development of children’s communicative competencies.

Novelty. The concept of children’s gonzo journalism is introduced; a conceptual model is developed; gonzo journalism and media education are combined.

Practical significance. The presented results can be useful both in the educational process in higher education institutions during the training of journalists, and in the work of editorial offices working with children.

Key words: children's journalism, children's gonzo journalism, social communications, media involvement, participatory culture, communicative competences, the program Little Adults.