Causes and Grounds of The Distortion of Perceptions About Islam in Modern Media

Abstract

 This article examines the historical, ideological, and socio-political factors that have contributed to the distortion of perceptions about Islam in modern media. The study investigates the roots of Islamophobic narratives and stereotypical representations of Islam that have developed over centuries and continue to influence contemporary public discourse. Particular attention is paid to the role of medieval Christian polemics, Orientalist scholarship, missionary literature, Soviet atheistic propaganda, and modern mass communication technologies in shaping negative images of Islam and Muslims. The research employs a historical-analytical methodology to explore how political conflicts, civilizational rivalries, and ideological agendas have affected the portrayal of Islam in Europe, Russia, and the post-Soviet space. The article analyzes the intellectual foundations of Orientalism and its influence on the production of knowledge about Islam, highlighting how Eurocentric perspectives often generated biased interpretations that became deeply embedded in academic and public consciousness. Furthermore, the study examines the impact of Soviet anti-religious campaigns, which systematically promoted negative attitudes toward religion in general and Islam in particular, leaving a lasting legacy in public perceptions.Special consideration is given to the contemporary media environment, including social networks, citizen journalism, and digital communication platforms. While these technologies have expanded access to information and facilitated intercultural dialogue, they have also accelerated the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and unverified religious content. The article argues that sensationalized media coverage, the misuse of concepts such as “radical Islam,” and the activities of extremist groups have contributed to the persistence of negative stereotypes that associate Islam with violence, intolerance, and opposition to modernity. Such representations hinder constructive dialogue between different religious and cultural communities and reinforce social prejudices. The findings demonstrate that distorted perceptions of Islam are not solely the result of contemporary media practices but are deeply rooted in historical narratives, political interests, and ideological conflicts. The study concludes that overcoming these misconceptions requires the active participation of Muslim scholars, the publication of academically grounded research, constructive cooperation with media institutions, the development of responsible digital communication, and the dissemination of reliable information based on authentic Islamic sources. These measures can contribute to a more balanced and objective understanding of Islam in the modern information age.