New Media Studies - Articles List

Social Policy Requirements in the Field of Public Opinion Management with Emphasis on the Role of Media and Social Networks

Ezzatullah Mirzaei; elham keshavarz moghadam

Volume 10, Issue 37 , June 2024, , Pages 49-1

https://doi.org/10.22054/nms.2024.75796.1620

Abstract

Introduction:In the Islamic Republic, a unique variant of public opinion is observed, distinct from traditional models. While existing outside the realm of power relations, this form ... Read More Introduction:In the Islamic Republic, a unique variant of public opinion is observed, distinct from traditional models. While existing outside the realm of power relations, this form of public opinion lacks the connection to civil society commonly found in other contexts. Instead, it is defined by a collection of shared beliefs, attitudes, and viewpoints that are shaped independently of power dynamics, thus forming a unique, isolated public opinion within the Islamic Republic's sociopolitical landscape. The precarious state of civil society in Iran has led to it becoming a negligible factor in social and political equations and relations. Public opinion in Iran, rather than taking shape through the lens of civil society and aligning with government policies and decisions, functions as a force that is manipulated by adversaries and used as a tool to apply pressure against the Islamic Republic’s authority.Currently, the media plays a substantial role in influencing and steering public opinion. Many scholars and researchers in fields such as sociology, communication sciences, psychology, and others have posited that the media has the ability to shape its perceptions and interpretations of events to align with its preconceived biases. Consequently, media outlets often select data and scrutinize social phenomena based on these biases, and the information provided may not always accurately reflect reality but can be tainted with cultural, political, and social values and norms.Research question(s):The present research aimed at understanding the necessity of implementing social policies to manage and control Iranian public opinion. In the first stage, the study focused on identifying factors that contribute to the pessimistic outlook and confused mentality among Iranians. Subsequently, in the second stage, the research sought to analyze the meaningful relationships between causes and effects, with the objective of providing strategies in the domain of social policy. In accordance with these objectives, the research aimed to answer the following questions:What are the platforms that influence Iranian public opinion?What are the characteristics of Iranian public opinion?What strategies and tactics are implemented in the arena of managing and controlling Iranian public opinion?What capacities and constructive ideas can potentially impact Iranian public opinion?Literature Review:Given the profound and far-reaching changes and transformations experienced by human societies, the role of media, virtual space, and social networks in shaping such transformations is significant. Numerous thinkers have substantiated this assertion, as they argue that in the current era, the media serves as the primary force shaping public thoughts and minds. Disregard towards this phenomenon is considered impractical.Castells, for instance, posits that all identities are constructed, but the critical question at hand is how, from what sources, by whom, and for what purposes. Gerbner and his associates in the "cultivation theory" have attempted to address the impact of mass media, particularly television, on shaping public opinions and thoughts. Hall and J. Holley (2005) introduced the theory of "representation," which posits that in the contemporary context, mass media's audio-visual presentations have the most profound impact on shaping public culture, thoughts, and perceptions. According to this theory, mass media serve as instruments for representing the world to their audiences.The media, according to the theoretical framework of framing, does not solely function as a mirror that reflects events and the realities of the social and political world. Instead, they play a more active role in shaping social and political realities. Through their news reporting, the media influence how people perceive and understand the world around them, essentially constructing those realities. McCombs and Reynolds (2009) propose the theory of "highlighting," asserting that in the context of modern times, the media wield significant influence as a powerful factor. According to this theory, media communications and platforms play a pivotal role in the discursive processes of highlighting and marginalization. Moreover, the media are regarded as a foundational power factor in a global system that is constantly undergoing change.Methodology:This study is a descriptive-analytical research project conducted in accordance with the qualitative methodological approach, grounded in contextual theorization. It utilizes semi-structured interviews as the primary data collection technique and employs purposeful theoretical sampling to identify participants who can provide insights related to the research questions. Theoretical saturation was achieved after conducting interviews with 16 academics and experts in the fields of social sciences and communication sciences from various universities in Tehran (Tehran, Tarbiat Modares, and Khwarazmi). The interviewees comprised 13 men and 3 women, with ages ranging from 42 to 70 years.Result:Based on analysis conducted using MAXQDA software, 52 distinct concepts were identified during the initial open coding stage. These were subsequently grouped into 15 core categories during the axial coding phase. These categories can be further organized into three broader forms: platforms that shape the state of Iranian public opinion, characteristics of Iranian public opinion, and strategies and tactics employed in policy-making and public opinion management.The influence of the following platforms on Iranian public opinion is evident: a general sentiment of disappointment, a prevailing negativity, diminishing trust in official media spaces, and a decrease in their overall favorability.Several characteristics are evident in such a thought process: there is an increase in the tendency towards activism and direct action, a heightened influence of public opinion on government decision-making, a growing dissatisfaction and expression of demands shaped by virtual spaces and social media platforms, a stronger focus on political issues and concerns for security among the populace, and an increasing interest in adopting global values and norms, along with a strong influence wielded by unofficial media sources in opposition to civil society and official media channels. There is also a desire to form new social movements, particularly through acts of civil disobedience and other forms of influence. As a means of controlling public opinion, the researcher emphasized looking towards weaker and less developed neighboring countries as a cautionary tale. To manipulate public opinion in line with policy objectives, the researcher proposed strategies and tactics such as cover action, coordinated action (shaping aligned narratives), and media action. These tactics are aimed at influencing public opinion to align with policy goals and public opinion management.Discussion:In this study, the primary objectives were twofold: to gain a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to the pessimistic outlook and confusing mindset of Iranians, and to examine the meaningful relationships between causes and effects by introducing social policy measures. It is worth noting that despite the numerous and persistent crises faced since the establishment of the Islamic Republic system, Iranian society has consistently demonstrated resilience and cooperation with the system. However, challenges and threats have emerged within society, creating wounds and uncertainties.It appears that factors such as a decrease in public trust (regarding structures, authorities, organizations, and institutions), heightened frustration and pessimism about the possibility of large-scale reform, the continued proliferation of negative news, and an escalating growth in demands that are difficult to meet in the short term are exacerbating the situation.Class divisions, continuous revelations against leaders and executive officials, an increase in the propensity for protests and a trend towards violence in these protests, the growth of political polarization, the focus of satellite and social media networks in directing public opinion, the establishment of an identity of resistance through cultural and social focus, a changing lifestyle and a rise in family breakdowns, a focus on celebrities and decreasing significance of former reference groups, and heightened external pressures have contributed to a sense of abandonment in Iran's public opinion, resulting in negative representations. When considering the nature and context of Iranian society in terms of its social, political, economic, and cultural aspects, it may be beneficial to categorize the primary and significant strategies for shaping Iranian public opinion in a positive, constructive, and hopeful direction into the following three broad categories:Several techniques have been utilized to shape public opinion: representation, framing, highlighting, and planting, which are based on the extensive use of virtual spaces and social networks. Moreover, strategies such as forming a think tank, analyzing positive narratives, and employing media actions were identified as potentially effective approaches in the realm of policymaking and public opinion management within the Iranian context. In response to the influence of the information and satellite space, public opinion might be steered in a different direction compared to that preferred by the government. It is worth noting that it is challenging to quickly overcome the enemy's soft and cognitive warfare, as this influence leverages the vast reach of virtual spaces, social networks, and satellite channels. The enemy not only seeks to impose a new lifestyle among Iranians but also employs various tactics and imagery to direct public opinion towards confrontational and oppositional stances against the government.

Studying How Parents Mediate When Facing the Media Environment

fariba seyedan; fatemeh Angoraj Taghavi

Volume 9, Issue 35 , October 2023, , Pages 444-397

https://doi.org/10.22054/nms.2023.68169.1399

Abstract

Abstract New media has opened new perspectives for family members by promoting different patterns of social interaction and providing access to vast information. The presence of new ... Read More Abstract New media has opened new perspectives for family members by promoting different patterns of social interaction and providing access to vast information. The presence of new communication technologies, by providing new opportunities for joint activities, has had tremendous effects on the relationships of family members. Is. Investigating mediation and how parents encounter cyberspace not only helps to design new solutions in media education for parents, but also opens up new fields in media studies, especially in the field of family. Children are one of the possibilities of virtual space, limits and boundaries of activity with communication technologies and necessary skills in the media space. The sample of the research was the potential participants from parents in the city of Karaj. Considering the importance of maximum diversity in the research sample and the existing limitations for conducting interviews, criteria were considered for selecting the sample frame. Using purposeful sampling (based on selection criteria) and theory, after semi-structured interviews with 15 samples of parents, thematic saturation was obtained. The findings of this research are 57 non-repetitive and non-overlapping important statements, the following 4 "overall themes" including parents' media capability. "Restrictive Mediation", "Watch Mediation", "Active Mediation", 10 "Subtopics" and 43 "Comprehensive Meaning Units" were obtained. The results showed that parents' media skills include strategies that allow them to Effectively face the media environment and the use of children and teenagers. Due to the types of restrictive, observational and active mediation strategies, in the complex parent-child interactions, many individual background factors have intervened and mediation strategies, with the changes in children's digital behaviors are variable, and dependent on growth and activity. They are in the virtual space. Therefore, the way parents deal with the media space is not limited to a mediation strategy, and parents may use several methods for media intervention. Not only parents influence the child's behavior, but also the child's real behavior or his digital abilities They are influenced in such a way that they adopt their mediation approach according to the activity that the child does. Introduction With the advent of the information age and the emergence of social media, the Internet has often helped children's growth and is associated with a decrease in the quality of life and their exposure to unknown risks. The main goal of this article is to study how parents mediate in their children's employment and use of cyber space. In this context, we are trying to find out what the participants' experiences are about the way they interact with their children, the limits and boundaries of their children's activities with media technology and the necessary skills in the media space. This is the question of how parents deal with parenting in the media space. Methedology The method of data interpretation in this research is theme or thematic analysis.Thematic analysis is a method to recognize, analyze and report patterns in qualitative data.This method is a process for analyzing textual data and turns scattered and diverse data into rich and detailed data.The data collection tool in this study is semi-structured interviews.Analyzing the data using the 6-step process of Clark and Brown (2017) in the field of thematic analysis, continuously going back and forth between the data and the analyzed codings resulting from the 6 steps, getting familiar with the data, creating primary codes, searching for optional codes, Creating sub-themes, defining the main themes and preparing the final report, in which 57 key concepts, 47 compact semantic units, 9 sub-themes and 3 main themes were obtained.Access to samples was done through targeted sampling including parents of children under 12 years of age and through snowball (non-probability sampling) and as a result, firstly based on the thematic axis of the research and complete knowledge, the first person was selected and after the interview based on the criteria of the research community. have been introduced.Sampling with the condition of theoretical saturation continued up to the number of 15 samples and when the results were repeated, 4 more samples were taken to ensure theoretical saturation and the total number reached 19 samples. To validate the findings, Guba and Lincoln criteria (ability validity, transferability, reliability and confirmability) were used.for reliability, researchers' review and interweaving technique were used so that as much as possible, different points of view were examined and more comprehensive and deeper data were obtained. Peer review (mentors and advisors of experts in the subject with a history of authorship or research in this field) was used to ensure the quality and validity of the interview protocol and for the validity of the coding structure. The use of targeted sampling has increased the possibility of transferring data. The use of in-depth interviews in information for continuous comparison and conceptualization was done in line with the criterion of verifiability. Result The findings of this research include 98 important non-repetitive and non-overlapping statements, under 3 "general themes" including "parental media competence", "restrictive mediation", "viewer", "active mediation", 10 "sub-themes" and 47 "units". compact meaning" were obtained.The findings of the research include the general theme of parents' media capability, which is obtained from 2 sub-themes of acquiring media skills and feeling self-efficacy and competence, and thirteen (13) compact semantic units.In the sub-theme of media use skills, eleven (11) intensive semantic units include familiarity with how to use different software (Word, Excel, etc.), installing the required software, how to send messages, questions and receive answers, familiarity with how to interact with friends and teachers through two-way software, the ability to update the required information, using virtual pages for the purpose of education, parental awareness of privacy, familiarity with attractive and informative websites for children and teenagers, familiarity with various content (text, image, music), familiarity with age-appropriate and desirable virtual games of children was obtained.The findings of this research are 57 non-repetitive and non-overlapping important statements, the following 4 "overall themes" including parents' media capability. "Restrictive Mediation", "Watch Mediation", "Active Mediation", 10 "Subtopics" and 43 "Comprehensive Meaning Units" were obtained. The results showed that parents' media skills include strategies that allow them to Effectively face the media environment and the use of children and teenagers. Due to the types of restrictive, observational and active mediation strategies, in the complex parent-child interactions, many individual background factors have intervened and mediation strategies, with the changes in children's digital behaviors are variable, and dependent on growth and activity. They are in the virtual space. Therefore, the way parents deal with the media space is not limited to a mediation strategy, and parents may use several methods for media intervention. Not only parents influence the child's behavior, but also the child's real behavior or his digital abilities They are influenced in such a way that they adopt their mediation approach according to the activity that the child does.In communication research, the theory of parental mediation is based on the principle that parents try to reduce the negative effects of the media on their children by resorting to different interpersonal communication strategies.The findings of the research include the main theme of direct and indirect limitation of observation, which is obtained from 4 sub-themes of direct time limitation, direct technical limitation, direct limitation of social interactions, observation and thirteen (13) compact semantic units.The sub-theme of time limit includes four (4) compact semantic units of clear rules, prohibiting unlimited use of the Internet, determining the amount of usage hours, warning in case of non-compliance with the rules, and technical limitation including three (3) compact semantic units of limited and blocking some virtual activities. By using the software, the parent's permission to enter a specific page, setting a password for mobile and computer, etc., and limiting social interactions including four (4) compact semantic units, limiting the amount of social interactions, including virtual chat, electronic mail, text messages and social interactions in games. Also, the sub-theme of indirect restriction of surveillance includes two (2) intensive semantic units of imperceptible control and checking activity and indirect restriction of children's use of virtual space.Parents, with parenting and active mediation, in the course of a joint activity with children and teenagers, help them acquire social and cognitive skills, so that they improve their self-improvement skills and gradually become able to take responsibility for using the media environment. For example, while watching a movie, parents attract children's attention, encourage them to comment and ask questions, and expose them to language and cognitive and digital learning.In this research, the general theme of active mediation is obtained from 4 sub-themes of "trust building", "joint activity and use", "conversation and strengthening of self-efficacy" and "training", and 17 compact semantic units. Some parents, in order to develop social and cognitive skills in their children in virtual space, accompany them and guide them through joint activity and use.During a joint activity with parents, with their support and guidance, the child is able to improve his skills and gradually acquire the ability to use the media environment.Among the strategies of parents is active use with their children, in this way, parents do joint and diverse activities with the aim of increasing their child's proper use of digital technologies, for example, they play a video game together or search for attractive and entertaining sites together.In the style of active mediation, parents and children talk and discuss about virtual space and various activities such as computer games and internet usage.Some parents, by actively mediating, discussing and having a critical conversation with their children on the use of the Internet, help the children to evaluate and use these technologies as critical users or spectators.This group of people encourages the development of critical, creative, self-efficacy and openness in children.Through mediation and "active mediation", parents perform different activities with the aim of increasing the child's appropriate use of digital technologies, for example, explaining how to use them or talking about the contents of new programs or websites. Conclusion New media, through the promotion of different patterns of social interaction, and the possibility of access to vast information, have opened new perspectives for family members, and are effective in maintaining relationships within the family. Examining mediation and the way parents face the virtual space not only helps to design new solutions in media education for parents, but also opens new fields in media studies, especially in the family field. The media ability of parents in facilitating interactions between children and new media. It has a key aspect. In order to mediate and guide children's experiences in the web environment, parents must have up-to-date knowledge and skills about digital media.Also, according to various characteristics such as the age and ability of the child, parents take multiple strategies of empowering and active and restrictive mediation and adopt appropriate strategies for children's media intervention with combined methods.In the complex parent-child interactions, many factors of the individual context have intervened and the mediation strategies are variable with the changes in the digital behaviors of children, and it is a function of their growth and activity in the virtual space.The way parents deal with the media environment is not limited to a mediation strategy, and it is possible for parents to use several methods at the same time for media intervention. In this way, not only parents influence the child's behavior, but the child's real behavior or his digital abilities are also affected by their behavior. The way they adopt their mediation approach, according to the activity that the child does.In this research, parents acknowledged the effectiveness of restrictive mediation, in the form of limiting time, interactions, etc., from this point of view, parental supervision is important in facilitating interactions between children and new media, and sometimes in the course of a joint activity, parents support and guide themselves. It regulates that the child is able to improve his skills and abilities. It is worth mentioning that restrictive and monitoring strategies are more effective at younger ages. Sometimes, teenagers consider parental control or limitations as an obstacle to meet their needs and show a negative reaction to this phenomenon by increasing their online activities. Of course, how to apply restrictions is different according to different contexts and fields and needs more studies. In the current media world, parents need to be able to mediate effectively in the form of being with their children, building trust, playing together, rethinking, talking and creating content. They acknowledged privacy and sharing. This kind of active mediation, in the form of discussions and conversations, helps children to be active in the use of technologies as users or critical spectators. It is important in designing the learning environment and creating interactive learning scenarios and challenges. In this way, children and teenagers will be able to explain and describe the memories of using information technology and know how to deal with them, and be aware of the risks of transactions on the Internet, and the basic rights and responsibilities regarding their own and others' data.Now, many children and teenagers have an "open mind", because they interact in local situations with global levels through modern communication technologies, including smart phones and... with social networks, inside and outside the country. Let's look at the world with empathy and openness and especially with ease.

A Rough Data Envelopment Analysis (RDEA) Model to Evaluate the Performance of Persian Language Satellite Networks Based on Youth Lifestyle Indicators

Shahin Mozaffari; Morteza Shafiee; Hamid Mahmoodian Ata Abadi

Volume 9, Issue 34 , August 2023, , Pages 364-319

https://doi.org/10.22054/nms.2022.65091.1323

Abstract

Introduction Television and satellite channels, in addition to other forms of social media, have facilitated the rapid and widespread transmission of foreign lifestyles, social ... Read More Introduction Television and satellite channels, in addition to other forms of social media, have facilitated the rapid and widespread transmission of foreign lifestyles, social relationships, culture, art, beliefs, and values to Iranian society. As a result, satellite networks with their diverse capabilities have become capable of affecting all aspects of human life, particularly altering the daily lives and lifestyle choices of people from all sectors of society, particularly the youth. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Persian-language satellite networks in shaping the lifestyles of young people and from the perspective of Bourdieu's indicators by means of the data envelopment analysis model. Materials and Methods The research method employed is case-driven and context-specific. In order to implement the model, a library study was initially conducted to evaluate the impact of TV and satellite networks on youth lifestyles according to Bourdieu's perspective. Based on the opinions of experts in the field, the input and output indices of the study were determined. To account for the non-deterministic nature of many indices, the Rough DEA model was used, which converts non-deterministic variables to intervals using the "α" level and results in an interval data envelopment analysis model. Using the MRA ranking method, the efficient intervals were ranked and compared. Then the efficiency of each evaluated network was determined through a sensitivity analysis performed at different "α" levels. Finally, each of the networks was ranked. Discussion and Results Based on the data collected and analyzed, the "Man o To" network was found to have the greatest influence on the lifestyles of young people. The "Persian BBC" network ranked second, followed by the "Nasim network" in third place, and finally, the "GEM" network placed last. These results suggest that there are significant differences in the impact of satellite networks on the lifestyles of young people, and that the "Man o To" network has been the most effective at shaping the lifestyle choices of this demographic. Conclusions Based on the research findings, it is recommended that the administrators of domestic Persian-language satellite media produce high-quality and appealing content in the fields of information, news, entertainment, and educational programming. This strategy will help boost the lifestyle indicators among the youth. Additionally, it is suggested that individuals with greater social capital and trust consume media resources from these aforementioned fields.

Functions and barriers to the use of social networks in educational management

Zahra Jafarpour Marzouni; Ali Khorsandi Taskoh; AliReza abdollahinejad

Volume 9, Issue 33 , May 2023, , Pages 454-425

https://doi.org/10.22054/nms.2022.61250.1218

Abstract

Abstract The development of technology created a special type of communication in academic life; On the other hand, today the existence of social networks is considered as an effective ... Read More

Ways to detect fake news in the media from the point of view of communication specialists and professionals

Karim Shabani; ali geranmayepour; shahnaz hashemi

Volume 8, Issue 30 , September 2022, , Pages 233-207

https://doi.org/10.22054/nms.2022.60020.1178

Abstract

The present study aimed to discover the factors that detect fake news in the media, especially social networks because the speed of spreading fake news in new media and its negative ... Read More

Donald Trump's phenomenon; an analysis of the Celebritization of Politicians in the age of mediatization of politics

Arash Beidollahkhani; Yaser Kahrazeh

Volume 7, Issue 27 , November 2021, , Pages 329-301

https://doi.org/10.22054/nms.2021.37120.620

Abstract

In the age of mediatization of politics , the entertainment industry can easily produce content and hero for political environments. The current president of the United States, Donald ... Read More

presenting a pattern for The Impact of Social Networks on Democracy Development in Iran:

younes shokrkhah; Mohamadreza Saeidabadi; abdolreza namavar

Volume 6, Issue 24 , January 2021, , Pages 36-1

https://doi.org/10.22054/nms.2021.47781.856

Abstract

presenting a pattern forThe Impact of Social Networks on Democracy Development in Iran:A Grounded Theory StudyAbstractSocial networks have been able to influence the various dimensions ... Read More

A Survey in Reasons & Causes of Informal Media & Social Networks Selection as News Source

ali ghasemijahan; Shahnaz Hashemi; Ali Geranmayeh pour

Volume 6, Issue 23 , October 2020, , Pages 339-368

https://doi.org/10.22054/nms.2021.59875.1172

Abstract

Nowadays, media has been described as a potentially powerful tool that can affect the control of political, economic, cultural, and social problems in human societies. Users’ ... Read More

A Study of the Role of Virtual Social Networks in Explaining Students' Political Awareness

Afshar Kabiri; musa saadati; Elnaz Ghasemi

Volume 5, Issue 19 , October 2019, , Pages 231-260

https://doi.org/10.22054/nms.2020.26921.349

Abstract

The present study was conducted with the aim of the role of virtual networks in explaining the political awareness of the students of the University of Orum in Urmia. The research method ... Read More

The impact of Twitter and Facebook on the political culture of university professors in eight metropolises of Iran

mehdi bigdeloo

Volume 4, Issue 13 , April 2018, , Pages 215-258

https://doi.org/10.22054/cs.2018.25700.321

Abstract

Political culture in Iran as a cultural space that manifests the way people relate to the political system has affected in recent decades various phenomena such as revolution, the structure ... Read More

The role of the media in the strategies of the Salafist jihadi groups and its impact on the Middle East

Ali Adami; Aeyed Ahmad nekoui

Volume 4, Issue 13 , April 2018, , Pages 293-325

https://doi.org/10.22054/cs.2018.29708.421

Abstract

In this day and age the media have provided positive means for developing human values and promoting peace throughout the international society. The other side of the story is, however, ... Read More

What do We Trust? A Study On Credibility of New and Old Media and Relations With Medium, Content and Audience Characteristics

Shaho Sabbar; Daiwon Hyun

Volume 1, Issue 4 , January 2016, , Pages 205-247

https://doi.org/10.22054/cs.2016.5733

Abstract

The invention and development of the internet and new media forms have only made the issue of credibility more important. Many studies have addressed the comparative nature ... Read More

Revisiting Communication in Iran: From the Concept of “Media” and “Mass Communication Means” to “New Media Studies”

Hadi Khaniki

Volume 1, Issue 1 , April 2015, , Pages 3-27

https://doi.org/10.22054/cs.2015.4498

Abstract

This article is a review of the trajectory of the concept of communication through academic teachings in Iran. First studies in this field were based on the two terms of “mass ... Read More

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Volume 9 (2023)

Volume 8 (2022)

Volume 7 (2021)

Volume 6 (2020)

Volume 5 (2019)

Volume 4 (2018)

Volume 3 (2017)

Volume 2 (2016)

Volume 1 (2015)

Keywords = Media

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