Changes in the information space are highlighted. Its role in providing psychological security of personality is shown. The modern mass media as a powerful tool both for building tolerance attitudes in society and for inciting xenophobia, discrimination, promotion of inter-group hostility are considered. The mechanism how negative information produces harmful effects on the human psyche is explained. The principles of adequate and effective operation of the media in covering terrorist attacks and other tragic events are performed.

The article provides a brief excursion into the history of interethnic conflicts. The article describes the concepts of tolerance and xenophobia. Their role in the development of complex systems, and the human society in particular, is distinguished. The importance of building tolerance attitudes to provide a full harmonious human life, various social groups and mankind on the whole in a changing world is emphasized.