Recent energy policies have had remarkable impact on the Estonian society. As a reaction to these changes we can notice the rise of insecurities and fears. Volatile energy prices and economic shocks challenge people´s ability to deal with such uncertainties. There is a need for finding new hopes, for some mental tools to process such liquid fears (Bauman, 2006).
The presentation observes online forums users coping narratives regarding the changes in the Estonian energy sector. Both mainstream and alternative forums are included. As a basis of shaping and spreading coping narratives online forums offer a digital space for finding hope and new ways of thinking. Forums as a mental coping resource has important role for both mainstream and alternative approach.
The analysis shows that the alternative forums are much more open to the new/innovative ideas. The mainstream forums emphasize the “need for strict scientific innovation”. Contrary to that alternative forums claim that there are some suppressed technologies and solutions to solve energy crisis.
These two groups have quite opposite point of view in the subject. Online forums as a digital resource offer good environment to maintain different coping narratives and belifs in case of severe societal changes for both group.
