The Influence of New Media on Political Power Transition and Democracy Expansion

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Mohammad Borjalizadeh 1
ali jafari 2
1 Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Media Researcher, Rasht, iran.
2 Assistant Professor, Department of participations and Communications, Institute for Educational Studies, Organization for Educational Research and Planning (OERP), Tehran, Iran.
10.22054/nms.2023.46164.814
Abstract
Introduction

According to recent studies, "new media" removes climatic and geographical boundaries from the realm of governmental power. It empowers individuals by fostering a sense of personal security and freedom, which in turn facilitates the shaping of human behavioral elements. Thus, "new media" serves as a conduit for new actors to compete with traditional powers and plays a crucial role in shifting power in political societies.
The purpose of this research is to investigate the role of modern media in the transfer of power in political societies and the expansion of democracy. The hypothesis of the research, which seeks to prove the role of modern communication media in the transfer of power in political societies and the expansion of democracy, seeks to answer two main questions: According to the study objective, it will be examined whether modern communication media plays a significant role in both power transfer and democracy promotion. Additionally, the impact of technological advancements in the fields of information and communication on international relations will be studied.

Materials and Methods

In terms of data collection, the study used a nationwide survey employing a researcher-created questionnaire in the descriptive-analytical and quantitative method in 2018. The statistical community consisted of university professors and media experts. Using the Morgan Kersey table, a sample size of 379 people was calculated using systemic cluster sampling. To improve accuracy, the sample size was increased to 402 people. Descriptive statistics, such as prevalence, percentage, average, standard deviation, and variance, were used to summarize and describe the data. To analyze the findings, analytical statistics, such as regression and factor analysis, were employed.
To examine the effect of each dimension of the independent variable "modern media" on changes in the dependent variable "shifting power," this research utilized the universal entry method within the regression equation. Due to the dispersion of the data, the factor analysis method was used to assess the relationship between the democracy variable and the dimensions of modern media.
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between new communication technologies, specifically satellite networks, the internet, virtual space, and their impact on power displacement. In order to ensure validity and accurately compare metrics, various aspects of technology such as satellite networks for audio and video broadcasting, the internet, virtual space, web and mobile social networks, websites, blogs, search engines, and electronic journalism were evaluated for their role in promoting democracy. After data collection, data analysis was conducted using SPSS22 statistical software.

Discussion and Results

The study examined the effect of 32 variables related to modern communication media on the transfer of power and the spread of democracy, utilizing factor analysis. 6 significant factors were identified as the major contributors to the influence of modern media on the transfer of power within political systems through democracy. Furthermore, over 71% of the variation in the relationship between modern communication technologies and the transfer of power in political systems can be explained by the 6 identified factors. Notably, the variables associated with factor 5 displayed the highest factor loadings, while the variables related to cyber journalism exhibited the lowest values. It is significant to note that there are no significant correlations between the 6 identified factors. Additionally, the correlation between the 32 variables can be accounted for through these 6 factors.

Operator of extraterrestrial televisions (satellite)
Operator of extra-territorial televisions (Persian language satellites)
Agent of virtual space
Agent of virtual social networks
Internet (blogs, sites, and search engines)
Agent of cyber journalism

In terms of perceptions of the effectiveness of the democratic flow in the Islamic Republic of Iran, the opinions of the respondents demonstrated that they considered the use of virtual space, social networks and the activities of journalists and extra-territorial televisions to be crucial factors for enhancing information, awareness, and the level of political and social participation in the path of expanding democracy. Moreover, they viewed the Persian language satellite televisions as a factor that increases popular demands. Generally, the aforementioned media variables were perceived as contributing to promoting democracy in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Conclusions

Based on the results of the factor analysis on 32 variables related to modern communication technologies' effect on the transfer of power in political systems through the spread of democracy, it can be concluded that the researcher's first sub-hypothesis (H1) was confirmed and the alternative hypothesis (H0) was rejected. Specifically, all dimensions of modern communication technologies were found have a role in the transfer of power in political systems through a convergent structure. Hence, the research hypothesis (new communication media in the transfer of power in political systems through the expansion of democracy) was supported by the results of the factor analysis.
 
Keywords
New Media
Power Transfer
Democracy
Political Society
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