Common Government Services Portal of Russian Federation: How do People Use It? What is the Attitude Towards It?: (A Case Study of Materials for the Region of Russia)

Abstract

The present article explains the prospects of an anthropological approach to study the effects of the technological innovations. This article is focused on the empirical research of using the Common Government Services Portal in South Russia Region. In the study we used such methods as the in-depth interviews, observation, and experiment. The research guide included four conceptual blocks: Familiarity; Experience in the use of Internet technologies; Interaction with the government authorities; and Experience in the use of Common Government Services Portal. As a result of research, it became clear that many portal users do not realize its connection with the State, but classify it as a part of Internet environment. If the user realizes that the portal is a technological intermediary between the State and the citizen, the practice of using it varies considerably with respect to general Internet practices.