Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Associate Professor, Departmen of Public Relation, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran
2 PhD Student in Communication Sciences, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Teenagers, as a dynamic and active generation entrusted with shaping the future of their country, develop many of their behaviors and actions within virtual social networks—often beyond real-life communication. As digital natives born into a technologically driven society, they have transferred a significant portion of their real-world interactions to the virtual sphere. Now more than ever, they are influenced by technology, embodying Marshall McLuhan’s concept of technological determinism.
In today’s technology-driven social life, a significant portion of teenagers’ daily experiences unfolds within the school environment and through interactions with new communication tools, platforms, and spaces—particularly social media. As the largest demographic of Generation Z (or the "digital generation"), teenagers rely on social media as a key source of information and a primary means of interaction among their peers.
For this generation, electronic devices—once considered a luxury by their parents—are now fundamental necessities for navigating modern life. They are the first cohort for whom the groundbreaking technological advancements of the 20th century are not innovations but mundane aspects of everyday existence.
In recent years, virtual social networks have experienced significant growth in usage, particularly among teenagers and high school students. However, there remains limited understanding about the extent, purpose, and patterns of new media use among Iranian students. More specifically, the academic implications of these tools - whether they ultimately support or hinder educational achievement - require further examination.
This study aims to investigate the prevalence, scope, and contextual usage of new media platforms among Iranian adolescents. The central research question focuses on how high school students in Tehran utilize social media to:
Enhance educational activities
Facilitate learning processes
Communicate with peers and academic groups
Complete school-related tasks
Follow up on curricular materials and related academic matters
This study examines how Tehrani high school students utilize social media platforms for educational purposes. Specifically, it investigates potential correlations between key variables - including gender, duration of social media use, and frequency of network engagement - and students' participation in educational activities.
The present study explores the influence of new media platforms on the educational experiences of Generation Z high school students (grades 10-12) in Tehran, employing a survey research methodology. Data were collected through a researcher-developed questionnaire administered to a representative sample of 450 students across eight gender-segregated high schools in Tehran.
Key findings reveal that 66.9% of participating students - both male and female - engage with new social media platforms for more than two hours daily. Their usage spans multiple activities including entertainment, peer communication, and academic-related purposes such as schoolwork coordination and educational content consumption.
Conducting various statistical tests, including K-square and two-way ANOVA, demonstrated that the independent variable—students' presence on virtual social platforms—significantly influenced four aspects of teaching and learning: receiving help from teachers, alleviating stress related to lessons and exams, accessing educational content within virtual social networks, and experiencing study disruptions due to engagement with new media platforms. Additionally, the independent variable of gender only had a significant effect on one component: the use of social media for collaborative learning.
The findings indicate that students' presence on virtual social platforms has a significant relationship with these outcomes. Specifically, increased participation in new media platforms correlates with both greater study disruption and enhanced stress relief from lessons and exams (a direct relationship). However, the presence of most students on social media does not necessarily translate to improved access to educational content or increased teacher assistance in this context.
The findings demonstrate a significant relationship between students' presence on virtual social platforms and key academic outcomes. Specifically, increased participation in new media platforms correlates positively with both greater study disruption and enhanced relief from lesson- and exam-related stress, indicating a direct relationship. However, the data reveals that while students are frequently present on these platforms, such presence does not automatically translate to improved access to educational content or increased likelihood of receiving teacher assistance within these digital spaces.
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