Russian journalism has certain peculiarities based on deeply rooted traditions and state of the modern media system. It has developed a double professional culture; on the one hand it has been serving state interests and on the other hand journalism has been a mission of enlightenment and education in the tradition of the “intelligentsia.” New technologies drastically affect media work. Since the mid-2000s the introduction of social media challenged journalists’ role in society as well as professional practices and norms. This paper discusses an existence of pattern of using social media by Russian journalists based on historical roots and socio-cultural and political background.