Gender-based dynamics in Russian online political discourse

The digital landscape provides a dynamic platform for political discourse, crucial for understanding shifts in public opinion and engagement, especially under authoritarian governments. This study examines YouTube user behavior during the Russian-Ukrainian war, analyzing 2168 videos with over 36,000 comments from January 2022 to February 2024. We observe distinct patterns of participation and gender dynamics that correlate with major political and military events. Notably, women were more active in anti-government channels, especially during peak conflict periods. Contrary to assumptions about online engagement in authoritarian contexts, our findings suggest a complex interplay where women emerge as pivotal digital communicators. This highlights online platforms' role in facilitating political expression under authoritarian regimes, demonstrating its potential as a barometer for public sentiment.