Political elites of modern Russia in the context of the formation of a "digital society"

   Introduction. The article is devoted to the analysis of the digitalization process influence on the formation of a new political elites generation. The key theoretical points in the development of this concept are considered.

   The relevance lies in the fact that the development of political elites within the framework of traditional concepts has come to its logical historical conclusion. Fundamentally new mechanisms for the selection and professionalization of subjects of elite groups are required.

   Purpose. To analyze the essence of the so-called "digital elite", to identify its fundamental differences from the previous types of elite communities.

   The development of the concept and practice of the "digital elite" is largely determined by how its essence is understood by the political leadership itself; how the political leadership itself sees itself as this very "digital elite".

   Methods. The methodological basis includes the analysis of elitological theories, which involves the use of such methods as dialectics, comparative studies, hermeneutics and semiotics.

   Results. It was revealed that the development of AI creates both certain benefits and specific risks for the practices of elites, and contributes to the growth of qualitative changes in their professional competencies. The results obtained may be useful for specialists in the field of political science and the implementation of new personnel policies.

   Conclusions. The formation of the "digital elite" is associated with the formation of a new hierarchy, new relationships within the elite groups themselves and their relationships with political leaders. The manipulative part of politics is intensifying, which in turn indicates an increase in dependence on carnival political culture. Openly speculative "theories" are growing around the "digital elite" itself, which indicates a very contradictory process of the formation of its reality itself. In the "digital elite", only the outline of its general features is outlined, the criteria of which require constant clarification.

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