Abstract

The article explores the epistemological foundations of constructing political reality in the conditions of modern information warfare as a multidimensional conflict over meanings and interpretations. The author emphasizes that information warfare is not only a struggle for facts, but above all a struggle for how these facts are perceived and interpreted in society. The cognitive dilemmas that journalists face in the field of manipulation, fakes, and hybrid pressure are analyzed. The role of the media as an active subject of symbolic influence capable of creating and broadcasting political narratives is revealed. It is substantiated that a modern journalist not only transmits information, but also forms the framework for the perception of events on which public opinion and political stability depend. The professional, ethical, and cognitive risks that arise in a war situation and require a high level of epistemic responsibility, fact-checking skills, and critical thinking are outlined. The importance of journalists’ awareness of their role in creating a public picture of the world and countering disinformation in the face of constant hybrid influence is emphasized. The article contributes to the development of interdisciplinary research at the intersection of political science, media, and epistemology, contributing to a deeper understanding of how modern journalism shapes society’s perception of political reality in the digital era of global information confrontations.