New Media Studies

Investigating the impact of new media in shaping the consumption patterns of Iranian society

Karim Nematiaghdam; Nasim Majidi; Aliasghar Keya

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 14 February 2024

https://doi.org/10.22054/nms.2024.70227.1465

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this research is to investigate the role of modern media in the apparent changes in the Iranian society's culture, which research method was carried ... Read More Abstract The purpose of this research is to investigate the role of modern media in the apparent changes in the Iranian society's culture, which research method was carried out without relying on popular theories and with the Grounded Theory (GT) method. In this method, after explaining the elements and features of the message, the relationship between the elements of communication and the background and consequences (or effects) of the communication process can also be addressed in an inferential way. ) Online data culture based on the Likert scale and two methods of decoding by another researcher and member review method were used and analyzed based on the database theory with Glazerian approach. The findings of this research show that the Iranian society has become extroverted due to the expansion of social networks. And virtual social networks are so influential in the appearance of Iranians' lives that people look for superficial issues (such as the role of consumer culture in anthropology, ideological factors, rhetoric and impracticality of reforming consumption patterns, the use of self-made patterns to reform consumption, lack of media planning in promoting and recognizing patterns consumption, the influence of celebrities on mass media, especially Instagram, and the exchange of information by word of mouth) have accepted changes in the type and form of consumption culture day by day. And in conclusion, it is proposed to form an institution for prudent supervision in the space of virtual advertising. The results and findings of the research were such that the Iranian society has become extroverted due to the expansion of social networks. and virtual social networks in the apparent context of Iranian life, people looking for superficial issues, the role of consumer culture in people, as well as ideological factors, the sloganeering and impracticality of reforming consumption patterns, the use of self-made patterns to reform consumption, the media's lack of planning in promoting and recognizing consumption patterns, the influence of celebrities in social media, especially Instagram and exchanging information by word of mouth; It has caused changes in the type and form of consumption culture day by day. And it is obvious that reforming the process of social affairs in this field will not be possible apart from the guidance approach which is based on scientific and applied studies of needs assessment and adapting the current culture to the goals of human development. Research findings show that policymakers should consider consumer control over the information they are exposed to in social networks and Instagram. The power of the media, both positive and negative, still dominates the representations of people and their concerns. Less time for celebrities, lower costs for product development or promotional products, more creative product ideas, and greater product acceptance were some of the benefits cited, and celebrity endorsement appears to be important when communicating marketing messages. And they have considerable credibility. This shows that it is essential for brands to use Instagram effectively when determining their target audience; They should pay attention to what kind of fame and notoriety can be most effective in attracting a specific target group. The interviewers indicated that the lower-scale celebrity types were most influential, as these categories were perceived as more believable and relevant to users, especially with regard to purchasing decisions as the products and services they endorsed were more cost-effective for participants. Therefore, in choosing a celebrity, policy makers should focus more on a brand that customers can relate to. Due to the change of governments, today's government focuses more on Iran's foreign policy and economy. An institution that is necessary to monitor Iranian culture in the country's media to hold this industry responsible for representing Islamic Iranian culture. Although radio and television stations are required to allocate a certain amount of broadcast time to Iranian content with Islamic culture, which is regulated by the Communications and Telecommunications Commission and most of the Iranian Broadcasting Corporation, the products that the most visited Instagram pages in the field of promoting consumer products are usually free of charge. They will support Iranian brand-making companies regarding Iranian consumer products. As in other countries, young people in Iran care about their style, the only differences they have compared to others is the limitation in appearance and the absence of an organized system to work on consumer products. This system is mostly based on people and their interaction with other groups in the society. They are consumers, importers, personal designers and groups of creative young people who, inspired by global culture, create new trends to create domestic trends that will be more applicable in Iran's situation. Diversity in the age and social position of people and differences in their views lead to diversity in their tastes and classify them in different stages of accepting new trends, and different people in different stages of acceptance follow the same process of accepting innovations, but according to their local conditions. These conditions have caused integration and some changes in the stages of product diversification and its consumption among Iranians. Some people try to choose products and consume them by imitating others in order to achieve social status without paying special attention to their social position. The system offers a variety of products and needs to meet the emerging needs of larger groups of consumers who are mostly young and interested in new products, but our limitations Keywords: culture, virtual networks, Instagram, consumer goods

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Relevant factors in video content virality in social networks from the experts' point of view: the case study of the Iranian Platform Rubika

Mohammad Khezri Moghaddam; Ali Asghar Kia; Mohsen Masoudian

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 15 July 2025

https://doi.org/10.22054/nms.2025.80131.1715

Abstract

With the advancement of technology and the expansion of the use of the Internet, social networks have become one of the most important means of communication and information exchange ... Read More With the advancement of technology and the expansion of the use of the Internet, social networks have become one of the most important means of communication and information exchange in the modern world. These platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube as global networks and Rubika, Eita and Aparat as Iranian networks, have a special place in daily life and have become a place to communicate with others, share experiences and publish various contents. This research identifies the factors that are effective in the viral spread of content in social networks. Factors such as content value, algorithm intelligence, interaction and user preferences play an important role in this process. In the fifth chapter, a special emphasis has been placed on the irreplaceable role of algorithms and quality content as the source of any viral content. Content production does not necessarily have to be expensive; Rather, it is enough that it is liked by users so that the algorithms try to increase the consumption of users in order to make it viral.In the end, the process of content becoming viral is likened to the flight of a bird, one wing of which is quality content and the other wing is the power of the algorithm. The conditions of the society are also like the weather conditions that can affect the flight. By conducting in-depth interviews with 12 experts and using external and internal sources, this research has investigated and provided solutions for producers and users of social networks.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The Impact of Virtual Social Networks on Students’ Academic Performance in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

bilal mohammad; Aliasghar Kia; Hadi Khaniki

Volume 10, Issue 40 , December 2024, , Pages 30-1

https://doi.org/10.22054/nms.2025.80612.1729

Abstract

Virtual social networks have emerged as a significant factor influencing students’ academic performance, fostering deep interactions among students, professors, and peers. As ... Read More Virtual social networks have emerged as a significant factor influencing students’ academic performance, fostering deep interactions among students, professors, and peers. As one of the most prominent global communication tools, these platforms play a vital role in education. This study examines the effects of virtual social networks on students’ academic performance in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, focusing on their role in facilitating collaboration, information exchange, and learning engagement. This research adopts an applied (practical) objective and a descriptive-correlational design, utilizing a survey method for data collection. The study population includes undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students across universities in the Kurdistan Region. Using Cochran’s sample size formula, a representative sample of 384 participants was selected. Data was gathered through a researcher-developed questionnaire comprising 83 questions, validated via content (face) validity and tested for reliability through a pilot study (pre-test). The findings aim to provide insights into how virtual social networks contribute to—or hinder—academic success, offering recommendations for educators and policymakers in the region. The data collected through the researcher-developed questionnaire were analyzed using SPSS software, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficient confirming the reliability of the instrument. The sample was selected through a multi-stage cluster sampling method to ensure representativeness. The results revealed that several variables significantly influence students' academic performance in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq: frequency of social network use; media addiction; marital status; media content consumption; and socioeconomic background. Notably, media addiction exhibited the strongest impact, with a regression coefficient of 0.299, indicating its substantial role in shaping academic outcomes. Conversely, religion had the weakest association, showing a regression coefficient of 0.030, suggesting minimal direct influence on academic performance in this context. Extended Abstract:IntroductionIn an era when modern higher education benefits from blended learning and uses many facilities to improve students' academic performance, the use of social networks in higher education cannot be ignored as an important tool for accelerating blended learning. Therefore, we must examine this new phenomenon's impact on teaching and learning to utilize its benefits. Just as scientific development can be mapped through citations in written sources, communication patterns and academic progress in virtual environments can similarly be traced through social networks.Virtual social networks have transformed how researchers access scientific resources, conduct research, exchange findings, and engage in scientific activities. This transformation necessitates evaluating these networks' impact on scholarly behavior. Indeed, modern virtual networks represent one of the key factors influencing students' academic performance today. In our current era, knowledge and technology are inextricably linked - one cannot be easily attained without the other.The divergent perspectives on virtual networks' effects reveal a lack of comprehensive understanding about their functions, with interpretations varying significantly based on individual viewpoints. Opponents typically focus on pathological aspects and cultural resistance in their studies, while proponents emphasize the networks' technological potential and audience-oriented benefits to clarify their nature. Like all media introduced to student communities, virtual networks present both positive and negative functions - neglecting either aspect may harm students. This study therefore examines virtual networks' impact on academic performance in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.Materials and MethodsThis applied quantitative study employed a survey methodology. The target population comprised 9,600 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students in Iraq's Kurdistan Region. Using Cochran's formula, a representative sample of 384 participants was determined. Given the population size and distribution, data were collected through multi-stage cluster sampling. The research instrument was a structured questionnaire containing variables measured at nominal, ordinal, and interval levels. Reliability was confirmed through a pilot test, with all variables achieving Cronbach's alpha coefficients above 0.70. Content validity was established through expert review. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software.FindingsGiven the nominal nature of gender and marital status variables, the Kendall’s tau-b correlation coefficient was employed to examine their relationship with academic performance, while Pearson’s r tested ordinal and interval-level variables. The analysis revealed significant correlations between academic performance and media addiction, trust in media, relationship quality, media content type, socioeconomic status, age, and marital status (p <.05). However, no significant relationships were found between academic performance and internet connectivity status, social network usage frequency, gender, ethnicity, or religion among students in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.The final regression model (algebraic method) for students' academic performance in Iraq's Kurdistan Region incorporated these independent variables: social network usage frequency, media addiction, media trust, academic media content, entertainment media content, and contextual variables (gender, age, marital status, ethnicity, religion type, and socioeconomic status). Interpretation of coefficients relied on standardized beta values (β), which quantify each predictor's relative contribution to academic performance while controlling for other variables in the model. The beta coefficients enable direct comparison of effect sizes across all predictors, revealing their differential impacts on the dependent variable.The standardized beta coefficients enable comparison of each variable's relative contribution, revealing that social network usage frequency, media addiction, marital status, media content consumption, and socioeconomic status significantly impact academic performance (p < 0.05), thereby confirming their hypothesized relationships. Notably, media addiction demonstrated the strongest effect (β = 0.299), while religion showed the weakest association (β = 0.030) with student performance in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.Discussion and ConclusionThe analysis revealed non-significant differences in academic performance across gender, age, ethnicity, religion, and media trust variables (p > 0.05). However, significant relationships emerged with social network usage frequency, media addiction, media trust, marital status, media content consumption, and socioeconomic status (p < 0.05). Most notably, media addiction demonstrated a substantial negative impact (β = -0.299), indicating that excessive engagement with virtual social networks reduces study time and correlates with academic performance decline among students in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.The study revealed distinct patterns in students' trust toward different media content types, with the highest trust levels observed for: (1) scientific, (2) medical, (3) economic, (4) sports, (5) social, and (6) political content. Importantly, despite potential drawbacks, virtual social networks demonstrate significant educational utility when used appropriately. These platforms enable instructors to share course materials through dedicated channels, allowing students 24/7 access to learning resources. Furthermore, they facilitate efficient assignment submission, eliminating printing costs and reducing turnaround times while maintaining academic quality in Iraq's Kurdistan Region.Based on research findings, several solutions can address the threats posed by social networks. One major threat is excessive time spent online, which reduces study time and leads to academic failure. Effective countermeasures include:Teaching students time management skillsImplementing proper regulations for scientific use of social networksDeveloping educational programs about cyberspace's role and proper usageOrganizing workshops conducted by psychologists and cyberspace expertsThese measures can help students use social networks more appropriately while benefiting from their educational potential.

The Role of Human Communications in the Formation of the Social Status of Women: A Case Study of Sadegh Hedayat’s Short Story

saeed saghei; aliasghr kia; reza saberii

Volume 10, Issue 38 , November 2024, , Pages 38-1

https://doi.org/10.22054/nms.2022.70299.1470

Abstract

Works by prominent authors can serve as valuable accounts and narratives that capture the inherent relations within a society. Analyzing these literary works not only provides insight ... Read More Works by prominent authors can serve as valuable accounts and narratives that capture the inherent relations within a society. Analyzing these literary works not only provides insight into the intellectual fabric of the society but also aids in uncovering the fundamental elements that shape it, including social status and gender dynamics. In some of his widely recognized narratives such as Boof-e Koor (The Blind Owl), Alaviyeh Khanoom (Ms Alaviyeh), Seh Ghatreh Khoon (Three Blood Drops), Aroosak-e Posht-e Pardeh (The Doll Behind the Curtain), and Zani ke Mardash ra Gom Kard (A Woman Who Lost Her Man), Hedayat delves into the topic of women's social roles and gender dynamics in society. Drawing from a qualitative content analysis, this study examines Zani ke Mardash ra Gom Kard to explore the social status of the female gender, focusing on its formation through human communications. The findings posit that by accentuating the role of human communications in shaping women’s social status, Hedayat has provided a thorough portrayal of their issues that remains relevant in our contemporary society. According to Hedayat, if these issues are not resolved, women will silently fall victim to their tragic presence within the society. To further enunciate our discoveries, tables and graphs will be employed for greater clarity and illustration.Introduction and Statement of the Problem:The significance of human communications in defining the status of individuals or gender groups within society has burgeoned. To comprehend and analyze the social status of people or gender groups through a sociological perspective, it is essential to examine their relationship with diverse components. Literary works constitute a critical element in this context. Literary works serve as a window through which we can discern how leading intellectual figures within a society perceive and encapsulate components of life, such as social status and gender dynamics. Consequently, it can be asserted that the intellectual contributions of writers and poets shape the intellectual landscape of a society and reflect the collective attitude towards these integral elements, including gender. Conversely, the analysis of literary works, with a focus on exploring the social status of a gender and expounding on the role of human communications as a pivotal element in determining this status, can prove to be a laborious endeavor due to the vast number and diversity of available texts. This explains why scholars opt to select specific works by renowned authors that hold significant value and address this topic. By conducting case studies on such works, it may be possible to ensure that the outcomes obtained sufficiently align with our research objectives. Consequently, this study focuses on one of Sadegh Hedayat’s short stories, titled: Zani ke Mardash ra Gom Kard. In this narrative, similar to other works like Boof-e Koor, Aroosak-e Posht-e Pardeh, and Alaviyeh Khanoom, Hedayat emerges as a significant writer consistently concerned with women and their challenges in his oeuvre. His substantial proficiency in realms such as psychology, sociology, and anthropology (derived from studying the works of thinkers who were prominent during that era) enhanced the intellectual dimension of his fiction.Research Method:Since the nature of the chosen story aligned perfectly with a qualitative method, we opted to perform a content analysis and compile library data. Through analyzing the work and extracting crucial concepts, we sought to address several key questions: What was Hedayat’s attitude towards women and their social status, as a representative of the society he inhabited? How did he approach this issue? What role and influence did he attribute to this status, and to human communications? How prevalent were these communications, and at what levels did they materialize? Can the findings of our analysis be utilized to diagnose women’s social status and the roles bestowed upon them by society, While formulating our queries, we underscored the focus on the contemporary Iranian society. Moreover, it is vital to highlight that the theoretical framework applied in the content analysis of the story hinges upon the theory of attraction and repulsion in human communications.Conclusions:Hedayat adopts a humanitarian, altruistic, and supportive stance toward women as members of a society with a cultural system that is traditional and male-biased. He firmly believes that Iranian women confront a vast assortment of challenges, including economic and cultural poverty, unfounded and ill-informed presumptions about women, abuse of particular conventional and religious norms, a patriarchal system, erroneous interpretations of religious doctrine, polygamy, communicable diseases, a lack of appropriate sanitary facilities, and men’s overly self-serving view of women. Hedayat's penchant for tragic endings, akin to his other stories, serves to depict women as mute victims of prevailing circumstances, yet simultaneously exacerbating the situation themselves. This cycle perpetuates unless society seeks remedial solutions for these issues.Extended Abstract:IntroductionThe significance of human communication in defining the social standing of people or outlining the role of a particular gender within society is increasingly conspicuous and influential. This underscores the necessity to scrutinize society and comprehend the social standing of individuals or a specific gender in society. In other words, to engage in a thorough analysis of society. To accurately assess a specific gender, it is pivotal to examine and elucidate the relationship between this gender and various factors, one of which involves studying and analyzing the literary works bequeathed to society. The social status and roles of a particular gender can be discerned by inspecting the prevailing literary works.The writers and poets, as representatives and mirror of the society and the relationships within it, have experienced life and its various aspects, such as the status of individuals and genders in society, and have documented these experiences through their writings. In particular, the noble works left behind by authors and poets primarily serve as the intellectual fabric of the society. These works also implicitly reveal the state and status of the psychological landscape within the society, with factors like gender serving as prominent indicators.However, the examination and analysis of literary works, like fiction, in order to delve into the specific socio-gender position of women entails an expansive and time-consuming endeavor. The vast array and abundance of available literary works pose a significant challenge in this regard. Given the constraints of time, researchers opt to strategically select exemplary works that thoroughly address the subject matter and have been authored by individuals who possess profound insights and specific linguistic expressions in this field. By doing so, the results derived during the research process from such case studies may closely align with the intended goals. Therefore, we purposefully chose a short story by Sadegh Hedayat titled Zani ke Mardash ra Gom Kard to achieve our objective. Hedayat is renowned for creating masterpieces such as Boof-e Koor, Aroosak-e Posht-e Pardeh, and Alavieh Khanoom. His distinctive and compelling writing style has always been evident, as demonstrated in his selected short stories. Furthermore, Hedayat consistently addresses and considers issues related to women in his works, placing a prominent and central focus on them. Additionally, Hedayat's profound awareness and knowledge - derived from studying the works of renowned global thinkers prominent in literary circlesstatement of the problem:Given the nature of the story, by employing the qualitative research method and through thematic analysis, with the aid of collecting data from documentary and library sources, we aim to examine and analyze the work in order to extract pertinent concepts such as social status and human relations. By doing so, we endeavor to determine if Sadegh Hedayat is portrayed as a storyteller and a representative of the mass of the society he inhabited. We delve into his perspective on women, explore how he regarded her station, and scrutinize the approach he adopted. Furthermore, we aim to uncover the role and significance he assigned to this position and human relations, as well. It is particularly important to emphasize that the theoretical framework employed for analysis is the theory of human communication's attraction and repulsion. Additionally, Fairclough’s critical discourse analysis is utilized to explain the results.Conclusion:Hedayat adopts a fundamentally humane and supportive stance in dealing with women. He acknowledges that women living in an Iranian society with cultural, social, traditional, and patriarchal structures confront numerous issues and challenges. These issues encompass economic and cultural poverty, ill-informed beliefs about women, misuses of specific customary and religious practices, lack of knowledge, the dominance of the patriarchal system, distorted interpretations of religious doctrines, and polygamous practices, as well as inadequate healthcare facilities and resources. Hedayat also raises concerns about hygiene, the instrumental view of women, and other pertinent matters. This is why he ends the story with a tragic ending, effectively asserting that women are passive victims of the current situation. They are not only affected by these problems, but are also partially responsible for perpetuating them. Unless society adequately addresses these issues and formulates sustainable solutions, women will continue to endure the status quo. It is also worth noting that the analysis of this story and Hedayat's other stories reveals that Hedayat, contrary to some perceptions, does not take a misogynistic stance nor views women from a top-down perspective.Indeed, Hedayat's works often address the obstacles faced by women in Iranian society, and he explicitly critiques the patriarchal mindset prevalent within that society. He underscores how this detrimental situation is formed through the interactions between men and women. The story Zani ke Mardash ra Gom Kard is emblematic of this, as it delves into the role women play in perpetuating and shaping this predicament. Hedayat attributes women's ignorance, superstition, devotion, and misguided influences as contributing factors in the emergence of this negative status quo.

Identification and Strategic Analysis of Effective Factors on Improving the Governance of Cyberspace in the Islamic Republic of Iran

alireza ghorbani; Mahdi Hamzehpour; ali asghar kia

Volume 9, Issue 36 , December 2023, , Pages 43-1

https://doi.org/10.22054/nms.2024.74593.1594

Abstract

The governance of cyberspace in the Islamic Republic of Iran is faced with numerous challenges, leading to governance in this field being significantly far from the ideal point. The ... Read More The governance of cyberspace in the Islamic Republic of Iran is faced with numerous challenges, leading to governance in this field being significantly far from the ideal point. The aim of this research is to identify the major factors affecting the improvement of the governance of cyberspace in the Islamic Republic of Iran, prioritize them, and provide strategic recommendations for each of them. In the first step, through semi-structured interviews with 11 experts and then analyzing their content, the components and factors affecting the improvement of cyberspace governance performance were identified. These components encompass the following elements: (1) the fundamental theory and governance model of cyberspace, (2) institutional structure, (3) laws and regulations, (4) macro policies and strategies, (5) the manner of interaction between governance and countries, institutions, and international companies, (6) the manner of interaction between governance and the private sector, (7) the manner of interaction between governance and individuals and non-governmental organizations, (8) the manner of interaction between governance and scientific and research institutions, (9) Officials and agents of cyberspace governance system, (10) Corruption, conflict. In the second step of the research, the importance-performance analysis (IPA) method was employed to assess the components of cyberspace governance identified in the first step. A questionnaire was distributed to 21 experts and specialists in the field of cyberspace governance to gather their insights on the relative importance and performance of each component. After data analysis, using the four-quadrant IPA matrix and the "normalized characteristic weight" table, the priority of each of the eleven components (such as the fundamental theory and governance model of cyberspace, institutional structure, laws and regulations, etc.) was determined. Additionally, strategic recommendations were provided for each of the eleven components to guide their improvement and effective governance.After analysis using the IPA method, the following prioritization of factors is proposed:The method of governance interaction with the private sectorFundamental theory and model of cyberspace governanceThe method of governance interaction with the public and public institutionsInstitutional structureThe method of governance interaction with countries, international institutions, and companiesThe method of governance interaction with academic and research institutionsCorruption, conflict of interest, and monopolyPolicies and grand strategiesOfficials and agents of the cyberspace governance systemLaws and regulationsEnemy infiltrationBased on the positioning of the above factors in each of the four quadrants of the IPA matrix, the following strategic recommendations are suggested: Strategy for the First Quadrant (keeping up the good work):The institutional structure component is positioned in the first quadrant, indicating that its importance is high based on experts' opinions. Regarding its performance, it lies near the border area between the first and fourth quadrants. As a result, the relative performance value of this component lies in the borderline range, meaning that there is room for improvement in its implementation and effectiveness. Component 4, represented by "Policies and grand strategies," has a high relative importance, as it falls in the first quadrant. Additionally, its relative performance value is also high, indicating its current effectiveness in governance of cyberspace. Therefore, this component is considered to need less improvement compared to the other factors. This implies that the policies and grand strategies in place are mostly sound, but there is room for further refinement to enhance the overall effectiveness of the governance of cyberspace. Strategy for the Second Quadrant (waste of resources):Component 11, representing "Enemy infiltration," is situated in the second quadrant, indicating that it has low relative importance, yet its relative performance value is high. This scenario may suggest that the resources devoted to mitigate this factor are potentially excessive or disproportionate to its actual significance. Consequently, it is recommended that this factor be removed from the agenda in order to allocate resources more efficiently and focus on factors that possess higher importance values. Components 3 (Laws and regulations) and 9 (Officials and agents of the cyberspace governance system) are situated in the second quadrant and adjacent to the third, suggesting that their relative importance values are relatively low, yet their relative performance values are moderately high. This indicates that investment in either area may be unnecessary or excessive. It is recommended that a reassessment of the resources allocated to these components be conducted to ensure efficient use of resources and prioritization of factors with higher importance values. Strategy for the Third Quadrant (indifference):Components 5 (The method of governance interaction with countries, international institutions, and companies) and 10 (Corruption, conflict of interest, and monopoly) are positioned in the third quadrant, indicating that they have low relative importance values and low relative performance values. This suggests that there is no need to take action on them, as their impact on the governance of cyberspace is minimal. Instead, resources and efforts can be allocated to factors that have higher importance and significance. Strategy for the Fourth Quadrant (improvement and investment priorities):Components 1 (Fundamental theory and model of cyberspace governance), 6 (The method of governance interaction with the private sector), 7 (The method of governance interaction with the public and public institutions), and 8 (The method of governance interaction with academic and research institutions) are situated in the fourth quadrant, indicating their high relative importance and low relative performance values. Given this, it is recommended that these components be prioritized for improvement and investment, as they represent areas where significant improvement is necessary to enhance the overall governance of cyberspace. Upon examining the components in the fourth quadrant, it is notable that Component 8 lies on the border of the four quadrants, indicating a lower priority compared to the other three components in the fourth quadrant. Furthermore, Components 1 and 7 are situated near the first quadrant, suggesting their relative priority is slightly lower than that of Component 6.

The netnography of Iranian user's culture in Instagram

Ali Asghar Kia; Mersedeh Nikbakhsh

Volume 9, Issue 33 , May 2023, , Pages 80-51

https://doi.org/10.22054/nms.2023.34271.544

Abstract

This research explored the Iranian user's ways of behavior in Instagram as a social networking service from the viewpoint of users’ online interactions and their daily life online ... Read More This research explored the Iranian user's ways of behavior in Instagram as a social networking service from the viewpoint of users’ online interactions and their daily life online representation. According to this, trying to get two main answers: “Recognizing cultural model in user's behaviors” and “identifying reasons and motivations of user's behaviors as a subsidiary purpose”. This research is based on ethnographic methodology and because of having a wide range of perspectives as a characteristic of contemporary ethnography, I used Symbolic Interactionism as a theoretical framework and the research method which is used for this purpose named Netnography by Robert Kozinets (2010). Netnography is a specific approach to conducting ethnography on the Internet. It is a qualitative and interpretive research methodology that adapts traditional ethnographic techniques to understand social interaction in contemporary digital communication contexts. The Netnography process in this research is based on the spiraling shells which Kozinets introduced: Introspection, Investigation, Information, Interview, Inspection, Interaction, Immersion, Indexing, Interpretation, Iteration, Instantiation, and Integration. Instagram's active personal pages on the topic of everyday life were considered as the unit of analysis. These page owners were primarily a blogger and some of them were influencers or micro-celebrities. According to this, the pages of Instagram horns or celebrities were not included in this research. The main data has been extracted from users’ captions or comments. The fifty pages with the highest rate of posts have been analyzed as Kozinets advised and their number of followers varied between fifty thousand to three hundred and fifty thousand. These criteria were considered for selection: the page owner displayed a meaningful narrative of her or his daily life in the rich texts, the page owner shared at least one post daily, and the page owner shared posts which are encouraged users to participate in the commenting, the page has a high number of followers, the page gets a high number of comments and replies, the page owner has been famous among the daily life Instagrammers. The tools of data acquisition were participant observation for two years and interviews with the page owners. Description and analysis of findings show that Instagrammers who have daily life pages present an ideal image of their lifestyle, condition, and personality which has formed to “I am good” story. These images in the material dimension refer to consumerism as a valuable symbol of upper-class people. Also, there are interconnections between the methods which are used to access satisfaction in daily life. It seems users are searching for ideals in the virtual space because of the inefficiency and deterrence of political and social situations in the real space. Although users choose the virtual space to share their opinions and feelings and experiences optionally, they try to display and protect optimal and trustworthy network image of themselves. According to this, users’ behaviors in some kinds of contexts (challenging topics especially political and religious subjects) imply self-direction. They are trying to show themselves as the right side and another one as the unfair side and they accuse other positions and they curse their opponents. This position is visible in four fields: the challenging macro issues (such as trust in a government official, election, foreign policy, laws related to women, crisis management, betrayal of spouses, Hijab in Islam, limitations of individual freedom in the public arena, street protest, environmental protection), the issues which show differences in lifestyles, the situation of privacy protection, the difference in interpretation. The users can’t keep their polite appearances in those fields. Although, the page owners try to keep calm, but others don’t try it because they are often anonymous, unlike the page owners. In other contexts (such as the critical or landmark conditions) imply to collectivism which is referred to as “networked individualism”. In-group collectivism has been formed based on the image of “I am good and you are good” and it has been visible in narrative contexts of user’s daily life experiences not in discussions of social issues. General collectivism has been appearing in sensitive and difficult situations especially natural disasters and abnormal events or fateful situations to achieve common targets. Users have used the virtual space as a tool for collective movements with a special ability to organize and a context for being seen as a participant.

Identifying developing pattern of second screen

somayeh labafi; ALI ASGHAR KIA; AMROLLAH THAGHVA

Volume 8, Issue 31 , October 2022, , Pages 108-77

https://doi.org/10.22054/nms.2022.47898.860

Abstract

In recent years, changes have occurred in the TV-watching paradigm. One of the most important changes is the second screen that accompanies the watching. the second screening is the ... Read More

How is the production relationships of user-generated content in Instagram? Emphasizing the relationship between Influencer and Follower

Mohammad Pouya Ghasemi; Hossein Sadeghi Bideshki; Mahnaz Naderi; Ali Asghar Keya

Volume 7, Issue 28 , February 2022, , Pages 138-111

https://doi.org/10.22054/nms.2022.47442.845

Abstract

Instagram is an example of social media that has managed to provide a system engagement for active users in content production. User innovation in content production has led to the ... Read More

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Author = kia, ali asghar

Investigating the impact of new media in shaping the consumption patterns of Iranian society

Abstract

Relevant factors in video content virality in social networks from the experts' point of view: the case study of the Iranian Platform Rubika

Abstract

The Impact of Virtual Social Networks on Students’ Academic Performance in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

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The Role of Human Communications in the Formation of the Social Status of Women: A Case Study of Sadegh Hedayat’s Short Story

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Identification and Strategic Analysis of Effective Factors on Improving the Governance of Cyberspace in the Islamic Republic of Iran

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The netnography of Iranian user's culture in Instagram

Abstract

Identifying developing pattern of second screen

Abstract

How is the production relationships of user-generated content in Instagram? Emphasizing the relationship between Influencer and Follower

Abstract