New Media Studies - Articles List

The impact of New Media on Social Cohesion in the Less Privileged Areas of Tehran (Case of Study: WhatsApp)

mehdi bigdeloo

Volume 9, Issue 35 , October 2023, Pages 36-1

https://doi.org/10.22054/nms.2022.69020.1427

Abstract

Abstract The development of new media, particularly interactive social networks, has been one of the most significant digital phenomena over the past few decades both in Iran and globally. ... Read More Abstract The development of new media, particularly interactive social networks, has been one of the most significant digital phenomena over the past few decades both in Iran and globally. The media, via its emphasis on user participation in social relationships, has brought about considerable changes to cultural, political, and economic landscapes. However, while highlighting the critical role of users in social relations, these networks may also impact social cohesion in less privileged areas, which often face stark social disparities. Among the social networks, WhatsApp is one of the most popular platforms and is widely adopted due to its interactive capabilities and lack of restrictions. Its use has also grown in Iran, especially given its high capacity for user interaction. The researcher has employed a descriptive-analytical methodology and a theoretical framework to review the impact of WhatsApp on social cohesion among less privileged areas of Tehran through a survey-based approach. Based on the data collection through the snowball method and statistical analysis using Pearson's test, it was concluded that there is a positive and significant relationship between the use of WhatsApp and both components of social cohesion (social adherence and social equality) among young users in less privileged areas of Tehran. Although the use of WhatsApp has been found to be positively associated with social equality, the impact is primarily felt with the feeling of participation. On the social cohesion component, the feeling of acceptance is heavily influenced by the use of WhatsApp, but the feeling of equality remains unchanged in less privileged areas of Tehran. Therefore, in light of this finding, it is warranted to consider the holistic and cohesive effects of this network in societal policies to effectively utilize its capabilities for enhancing the individual role-playing and to employ that potential towards reducing the cultural-social policy implementation costs. Introduction Modern media and communication platforms can be regarded as critical tools for the expression of various subcultures, ethnic groups, and less-privileged economic and societal groups. They serve to amplify their voices, increase their social awareness, and represent their demands. In Iran, mobile social networks like Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram have gained prominence and have had a significant impact on various populations, especially the youth. Among the social networks, WhatsApp has become increasingly popular among Iranian users due to the ease of voice communication, low internet requirements, and the ability to manage voice messages; its unfiltered nature, in particular, has garnered significant support among Iranian users. However, WhatsApp usage among less privileged areas remains understudied, especially in relation to its influence on social cohesion. This social network has allowed its users to play a significant role in the interactive space and has opened up powerful possibilities for two-way communication. However, despite the diverse roles that WhatsApp plays in different societal spheres and user functions, it is unclear whether its increased individual roles, particularly in the social, economic, and political spheres, would be effective in less privileged areas, especially in relation to the sense of social equality of young users and improving their social adherence and increasing the level of social cohesion. The present research has sought to address this issue. Research Question(s): What is the relationship between using WhatsApp and social adherence? 1.1. What is the relationship between the use of WhatsApp and the feeling of social belonging? 2.1. What is the relationship between the use of WhatsApp and the feeling of social acceptance? 3.1. What is the relationship between using WhatsApp and adhering to the law? What is the relationship between the use of WhatsApp and the feeling of social equality? 1.2. What is the relationship between using WhatsApp and feeling privileged? 2.2. What is the relationship between the use of WhatsApp and the feeling of participation? 3.2. What is the relationship between using WhatsApp and feeling equal? Literature Review Studies by Shohani and Shohani (Winter 2018) have revealed a significant correlation between social networks and the development of social trust, social cohesion, solidarity, and even political participation, via strengthening the relationships between people in those societies. Gholami and Khaiti (Fall 2013) have found a close relationship between the two variables of physical identity and social cohesion, and Imam Jumezadeh et al. (Spring 2014) have found a significant correlation between media consumption and social cohesion, and according to Farahmand et al. (Spring and Summer 2014) justice variables Social, external media, internal media and age have been able to show 22% of the changes in social cohesion. Methodology This study aims to examine the relationship between two variables: WhatsApp use and social cohesion. The study employs a descriptive-analytical methodology and adopts the Theory of Bernard (1999) as its theoretical framework. In order to obtain a measure of social cohesion, Bernard (1999) has outlined several dimensions such as a sense of belonging-isolation, deprivation-privilege, participating-not participating, accepting-not accepting, law-abiding-not adhering to the law. Within this research, two components of social compliance (feeling of belonging-isolation, acceptance-rejection, law-abiding-not adhering to the law) and feeling of social equality (deprivation-privilege, participation-nonparticipation, equal-unequal level) have been explored. Due to the lack of accurate statistics on young WhatsApp users in the less privileged areas of Tehran, the sampling process employed a convenience sampling method. A research questionnaire was given to 1,200 young people in Tehran's less privileged areas, and a total of 726 participants were included in the study. After the survey was distributed to the intended participants, those who agreed to participate and answered the questions, the collected data was subjected to statistical analysis using Pearson's correlation test. Results With regard to the relationship between WhatsApp use and social adherence, the analysis revealed that the components of social adherence, namely the feeling of acceptance, sense of belonging, and adherence to the law, presented the highest correlations with the use of WhatsApp. In order to examine the sub-hypotheses in detail, Pearson's correlation test was also used to measure the extent of the connection between the WhatsApp usage and the three components under the social adherence variable. The table below presents the findings of the Pearson's correlation test, in which the social adherence variable was taken as the dependent variable and the WhatsApp usage variable was taken as the independent variable. The values and significance levels of each correlation coefficient are also provided. In consideration of the fact that the p-value is lower than the 0.05 significance level, we reject the null hypothesis and conclude that there is a statistically significant relationship between the usage of WhatsApp and social adherence, with 95% confidence. Symmetric Measures Value Asymptotic Standard Errora Approximate Tb Approximate Significance Interval by Interval Pearson's R .263 .034 7.345 .000c Ordinal by Ordinal Spearman Correlation .260 .038 7.234 .000c N of Valid Cases 726 a. Not assuming the null hypothesis. b. Using the asymptotic standard error assuming the null hypothesis. c. Based on normal approximation. In terms of the relationship between WhatsApp use and the social equality variables, the analysis reveal that, while social participation and enjoyment present the highest levels of correlation, the feeling of equality can not be imagined. In other words, the feeling of equality cannot be inferred merely from people's WhatsApp usage. The results of the Pearson's correlation analysis shown in the table below reveal that while social participation and enjoyment present the highest levels of correlation with WhatsApp use, the feeling of equality cannot be inferred from WhatsApp usage alone. Furthermore, WhatsApp usage has a low level of correlation with the feeling of equality, indicating that the two variables cannot be deemed to have a strong connection. In light of the statistical findings presented in the table and the fact that the p-value has fallen below the 0.05 significance level, we reject the null hypothesis and concluded that there is a statistically significant relationship between WhatsApp usage and feelings of social equality, with 95% confidence. Symmetric Measures Value Asymptotic Standard Errora Approximate Tb Approximate Significance Interval by Interval Pearson's R .307 .031 8.677 .000c Ordinal by Ordinal Spearman Correlation .301 .035 8.508 .000c N of Valid Cases 726 a. Not assuming the null hypothesis. b. Using the asymptotic standard error assuming the null hypothesis. c. Based on normal approximation. Conclusion The emergence and evolution of new media and especially social networks have become a phenomenon of recent years, having altered practically all aspects of modern human society, to the extent that their elimination is hardly imaginable in the aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak, given their increased prominence. Indeed, the impact of these social networks is categorized on a spectrum of positive and negative effects, depending on the social conditions of the countries involved. However, it is vital to consider how people perceive the usage of these social networks, which is itself influenced by governmental actions, available social facilities, and other relevant factors. It is evident that people, especially the youth in our country, as the leading users of social media, have accepted the effects of various social networks as part of their everyday lives. As traditional values hold prevalence in Iranian society, social networks can have a mixed impact on its cultural fabric. While they are primarily perceived in contrast to the prevailing culture, their positive effects are often overshadowed by their negative aspects. Although widespread cultural resistance toward social media networks has often created a negative impression of their works, such a stance tends to overlook their potential capabilities, some of which remain unexplored. Among those capacities is their potential role in influencing social cohesion and solidarity, as demonstrated by the researcher. Recent economic challenges have exacerbated social inequality between different classes in Iranian society. This solidarity can act as a safeguard against potential unrest in less privileged areas, promote greater youth participation in social activities, and facilitate individual commitment and collective action, thereby forming a more cohesive society. In particular, the social fabric of the south and west areas of Tehran, which present lower levels of social and cultural facilities, as well as economic development, is vulnerable to social and economic inadequacies. This deficit of facilities constitutes a significant contributing factor to social tensions, particularly among the youth in these areas. The engagement of this population can therefore help offset the risk of social unrest. As the collected survey data indicates, the use of WhatsApp by users from less privileged areas of Tehran carries a positive and significant correlation with social adherence and social equality. However, when compared, users who employ WhatsApp extensively seem to possess a stronger social adherence compared to a higher feeling of social equality. This could be explained by the fact that WhatsApp's impact on communication may not sufficiently address the varying demands of social equality, particularly for users who reside in areas facing objective social and economic difficulties.

Common templates and types of gossip discourse in cyberspace

reza kamari; Abbas Assadi; Amir Hesam Eshaghi

Volume 9, Issue 35 , October 2023, Pages 76-37

https://doi.org/10.22054/nms.2024.69343.1449

Abstract

Social networks, more commonly known as mobile platforms, provide an informal but pervasive means for the creation and circulation of significant rumors and disinformation. These acts ... Read More Social networks, more commonly known as mobile platforms, provide an informal but pervasive means for the creation and circulation of significant rumors and disinformation. These acts can have profoundly negative effects on individuals and society at large, making them a highly problematic issue. Underlying causes and potential measures to curb the proliferation of this anomalous phenomenon of virtual communication are crucial for mitigating its adverse consequences on individuals and society as a whole. Rumors are commonly studied within social networks as it is the primary platform for user-driven information sharing, increasing the risk of the spread of misinformation and invalid information. The present study aimed to identify the various forms of gossip and to analyze its discourse in cyberspace using the theme analysis technique. For this purpose, we examined relevant scientific sources, specifically articles, dissertations, and relevant databases. Among the varied techniques of theme analysis, we employed the theme network technique. The primary purpose of theme analysis is to distill meaning and identify patterns from qualitative data. This analytical method allows for the transformation of scattered and disparate data into rich and detailed insights. The study of rumors and virtual space is a relatively recent field of expertise involving the examination of online communication dynamics and its potential impacts. The method used in the present research was quantitative and involved a thematic analysis approach. A total of 30 data points (articles, dissertations, and research plans) were collected and examined after an exhaustive analysis of relevant literature spanning recent studies and investigations. Additionally, a total of 15 data samples were analyzed to identify codes and concepts. As per the organization of the study and the classification of themes, we have the overarching theme, "form and discourse of rumors in cyber space," consisting of three organized themes and 19 basic themes. The overview of the thematic organization and categorization is shown in Table 1. Table No. 1: List of overarching themes, organized themes and basic themes Overarching themes Organized topics Basic themes The format and discourse of rumors in cyberspace Informality of the source Non-news content Changeable content Believable content Folk content Undocumented and non-scientific content Unclear content and ambiguity Exaggerated content Fiery content A disastrous combination truth seeker critical freedom seeking human rights emotional prophetic Background Special topics Social-civil political-security Rumor is a kind of social phenomenon that spreads rapidly and on a large scale through communication circuits, earning its notoriety as an abnormal occurrence that social scientists have investigated extensively. Some methods have emerged that can effectively counter its proliferation. Rumors are not a modern phenomenon but a historical problem, whose significance has only increased in contemporary times. Ever since ancient Rome, rumors have posed a constant headache for rulers and authorities. Some individuals even resorted to manipulating and exacerbating rumors for their own benefit. They were named informants or rumor mongers. The examination of data has indicated that political instability and a widening gap between nation and government have resulted in a general atmosphere of suspicion and mistrust, enabling rumors to thrive. Additionally, the availability of unrestricted news and information on the virtual space has allowed rumors to proliferate unopposed, pervading people's logical reasoning and influencing their beliefs and behaviors. In societies going through a transition, a close relationship between political and economic systems is evident. Political challenges lead to economic fluctuations in various aspects of people's lives, triggering concerns and uncertainties. While the social, political, and economic dimensions act as the underlying or determining factors of rumors, there is strong evidence that the format and discourse used in the virtual space can exert an influence on these parameters. Previous data, mentioned earlier, illustrates that other variables, such as trust in virtual spaces, public awareness, social class, and participation with the message, can also be involved in rumor production and effectiveness. Therefore, it is recommended that future research explores these variables in relation to the discourse's main component, context, and format. In conclusion, rumor is recognized as a threat and societal ill with far-reaching implications. The importance of the mass media in rumor production and proliferation can't be overlooked. In order to lengthen and intensify the impact of rumors on public opinion, the purveyors seek out ways to infiltrate the mass media, as it possesses a crucial role in influencing this matter. Rumor is a societal issue and danger, which has become increasingly prevalent due to the impact of the digital media. By exploiting the power of the virtual space, rumor-mongers have managed to infiltrate the mass media, leading to the spread and propagation of rumors. Understanding the factors underlying the production and disseminating rumors is crucial for effectively countering the issue, mainly through examining the role played by the discourse structure, format, and context. Following is an overview of the key features of these parameters. In conclusion, rumor is regarded as a social malaise and danger. Considering what has been highlighted, it is possible to highlight the significance of the mass media (or virtual space) in producing and disseminating rumors. The rumor-mongers are on the lookout for ways to infiltrate the mass media, as it has a significant bearing on the longevity of rumors within the public domain.

Understanding the Views of Tehran’s People on Celebrities in the Era of Virtual Media

ahmad pakzad; noureddin razavizadeh; Mohammad reza Kolahi

Volume 9, Issue 35 , October 2023, Pages 132-77

https://doi.org/10.22054/nms.2024.72484.1535

Abstract

Our age is the age of fame and celebrities are an inescapable aspect of our daily lives. Considering the high influence and popularity that celebrities have among the new generation, ... Read More Our age is the age of fame and celebrities are an inescapable aspect of our daily lives. Considering the high influence and popularity that celebrities have among the new generation, their activity is considered a serious challenge in Iranian society in recent years. The present research seeks to understand the attitudes of Tehran's people towards celebrities. The research method is documentary-survey, and the sample consists of 384 citizens aged 15 years and older living in Tehran, who were selected using multi-stage cluster sampling method. The data was collected using a questionnaire, and the analysis was conducted using SPSS software. The results showed that 72.7% of the respondents follow the news and sidelines related to celebrities, with cinema and TV actors, athletes, and domestic singers and musicians being the most liked celebrity categories, respectively. Television presenters and scientific and cultural celebrities are the least appealing categories to respondent. 'Success in their respective fields', 'popularity', and 'political and social stances' are important reasons behind people's interest in celebrities. The reasons that were least important to respondents for their interest in celebrities are 'showing the details of their personal life' and 'active presence on social networks'. Respondents have indicated that they would like celebrities to model charitable activities, their type of speech, political and social positions, and family life, including issues around marriage, divorce, and other personal matters. The consumption of advertising goods based on celebrity patterns is the least important factor in respondents' interest in modeling and imitating behaviors, which suggests that they are more interested in emulating behaviors that are more prestigious and prevalent. Based on the results, adolescents are more likely to follow celebrity news on Instagram compared to other age groups. Additionally, "success in the field of job" and "charitable" activities are the most important reasons that contribute to their interest in celebrities. The finding that people are searching for identity during adolescence is significant, particularly given the crisis of identity that many people experience at this age. Therefore, it is important that cultural institutions, particularly educational institutions, make efforts to introduce suitable patterns of behavior that align with Islamic and Iranian cultural values, in order to build trust and foster positive behaviors among teenagers. The current research findings indicate that 68.9% of respondents have a 'low' or 'very low' level of interest in celebrity news and sidelines. An additional 18% of respondents have an 'average' level of interest, while only 13.1% of respondents have a 'high' or 'very high' level of interest in celebrity news and sidelines. The tendency towards celebrities can be seen as a reflection of the intense and extreme feelings and emotions that people experience when they follow celebrity news and sidelines. Following celebrity news and sidelines forms a spectrum of behavior, ranging from simply keeping up with celebrities to extreme and harmful states of fascination and illusion. The current research findings suggest that while respondents are interested in following the news and celebrities, this interest often stems from a desire to participate in social conversations and find pleasure in engaging with celebrity topics. On a scale of 1 to 20, respondents had an average score of 6, indicating a relatively low degree of orientation towards celebrities. Introduction: In the modern era, as proposed by Baudrillard in his concept of 'the era of simulation', postmodern aesthetics have had a significant influence on numerous aspects of both art and media. Postmodern aesthetics have often sought to deconstruct traditional notions of authenticity and meaning, utilizing the concept of hyperreality as a means of ridicule. According to Bauman, this 'destructiveness' has the potential to obliterate everything in its wake. As Bauman put it, 'Postmodernity most clearly embodies a destructive character; a destructive tendency that mocks and destroys all that it touches'. The deconstructive and style-oriented nature of postmodern aesthetics is evident in the numerous works produced and shared via social networks and other digital platforms. In the postmodern era, the media has evolved to possess its own unique aesthetics, which set it apart from traditional modern aesthetics, not just in terms of format but also in terms of meaning. As a relatively new social media platform, Instagram has become a breeding ground for postmodern aesthetic visual works, characterized by their representation of meaningless pieces. This particular aesthetic rejects traditional modern aesthetic precepts, favoring style over substance. It exemplifies the rise of a distinctively postmodern aesthetic, one that challenges the status quo and stands in contrast to classical notions of beauty and meaning. Similarly, the postmodern aesthetic's rejection of accepted notions of meaning and content extends to knowledge and truth, embracing relativism and uncertainty in their stead. It challenges conventional ideas of what constitutes knowledge and truth, ultimately replacing them with a fluid and ambiguous perspective. The widespread adoption of postmodern aesthetics in modern media has given rise to a culture of fame and celebrity that has experienced rapid expansion in recent times. Adolescents tend to seek validation and admiration, especially through social media. They gravitate toward a culture of celebrity that caters to these desires, discarding the modernist aesthetic's emphasis on 'desirable, deeply serious, cohesive, innovative, influential, abstract, and under the influence of personal genius' in favor of a more postmodern aesthetic. Instead of embracing the modernist aesthetic's emphasis on depth, coherence, innovation, influence, abstraction, and originality, adolescents who seek validation and admiration through social media find themselves trapped in superficial echo chambers, where they attracting like audiences and become increasingly dependent on that attention. Baudrillard argues that this dominance of mass media images can 'confuse our perception of knowing what we want' (Baudrillard, 1985: 129-132). As a result, both the adolescents and their audience can become disoriented and disconnected from reality. A significant aesthetic element of social media platforms is the phenomenon of the 'individual-turned-brand', where users transform themselves into pieces of consumable media. In visual-focused social media platforms like Instagram, the focus is often on how the celebrity presents themselves; as a result, 'views' are seen as the most important concept in virtual representation. In these virtual spaces, where 'views' are the primary currency of engagement, individuals may feel compelled to do whatever it takes to become more 'viewable' in order to enter the world of 'brands', displace others, and reach the top tier of virtual exhibition. Research Question(s) In this study, we approach the analysis of postmodernism's aesthetic components through the use of rhetorical analysis, specifically in the context of one highly popular Instagram page for teenagers. This exploration helps us to gain a more precise understanding of the adolescent Instagram pages that produce content in this particular postmodern aesthetic style. In this study, we seek to answer several questions, including: What are the differences between postmodern aesthetics and modern aesthetics, and what are the key components of postmodern aesthetic representation? Second, what is the relationship between postmodern aesthetics and the content creation of young micro-celebrities on Instagram? Third, what is the main fantasy or dream these pages sell? And finally, what place does quality artistic style and meaning have in the content of these micro-celebrity Instagram pages? Literature Review Many scientific studies on the intersection of adolescents and social media tend to focus on the impact of social media on the lives of adolescents. While the majority of studies on postmodern aesthetics are focused on the realms of cinema, architecture, and visual arts, there remains a lack of representation in the scientific community of the postmodern aesthetic discourse in the field of social media studies. Consequently, there remains a dearth of significant scientific research on the topic of the impact of postmodern aesthetics on adolescent social media pages. Additionally, a lack of representation of these themes in the broader social media studies community has meant little attention has been given to the role of the micro-celebrity and the role they play in adolescent social media pages. While there is a lack of scholarly representation on the subject of the impact of postmodern aesthetics on adolescent social media pages, there is some general background research available on the themes of 'social media aesthetics' and 'self-representation in social media' that may be helpful in understanding the broader social media context that are as follow: Mohammadvali and Sojjudi (2014) approach the question of authorship and presence in social media by reconsidering the issue in the context of two key areas: content and audience. In their work, they highlight the potential for creating and perceiving new aesthetics through social media and challenge traditional notions of authorship and identity. As per the work of Manovich (2001) in "Postmedia Aesthetics", the concept of media is replaced with new concepts derived from computer and network culture in order to explore the nature of postmodern media aesthetics. Specifically, Manovich suggests that these aesthetics should focus on the organizational structures behind the presentation and structuring of data within a cultural object, as well as the way that the data is perceived by the user. It should include new concepts, metaphors, and functions of the computer and network era. It must focus on the capabilities and behaviors of users, knowing that user tactics follow specific patterns. Mehrpour (2019), in "The Representation of Everyday Life on the Pages of Instagram Microcelebrities," explores six major themes through the analysis of popular pages: consumerism, luxury-orientation, pretense, ancient rituals, creativity, and breaking norms. These themes help to provide a deeper understanding of the everyday lives of microcelebrities as reflected through their Instagram pages. Methodology The present study aims to examine both the form and content aesthetics of Instagram microcelebrity pages. To analyze the content aesthetics, we will employ the fantasy-theme method of rhetorical criticism. On the other hand, to understand the form aesthetics of these pages, we will focus our attention on technical codes through the lens of video semiotics. Rhetoric is defined as the 'effective use of language for persuasion' or 'the study of style and structure in writing or speech' (Ilie, 2008: 42). Fantasy-theme critique is one of the rhetorical critique methods developed by Bormann as a means of examining the worldviews of individuals, groups, and institutions. This approach focuses on the use of the fantasy genre to convey deeper cultural meanings and messages to audiences. Fantasy refers to imaginary or fictional stories, it actually refers to the widely shared cultural perspectives present in an artist's works. This use of "fantasy" as a rhetorical device enables us to gain a deeper understanding of the artist's worldview and the cultural contexts that shape it. According to Foss (2009), the process of artifact analysis in the method of fantasy-theme critique consists of two distinct phases: Encoding the artifact based on character, setting, and action. These three components are the main factors in creating a fantasy. Reconstructing the rhetorical conception based on the fantasy. To analyze the postmodern aesthetics of the "pooorblack" page, it is necessary to analyze the "form" and "content" of the page alongside each other. Thus: To analyze the "content" appeal, the method of fantasy-theme critique has been used. In this method, sixty artifacts uploaded over ten months (June 2021- March 2022) have been examined. In the first stage, the triad of character, setting, and action has been investigated in each artifact. In the second stage, the main themes of each artifact have been extracted based on the first stage. Then, by categorizing the themes of the artifacts, we reach the general themes or the main fantasies of the artifact. Finally, by considering the frequency of each theme, character, and setting we reach the final analysis of the page's appeal based on its main fantasy. To understand the form aesthetics of this page, we have examined the appeal of the page based on these technical codes. Results The results show six primary themes within the examined artifacts: parent-child, school-student, and peer relationships; self-mockery; exaggeration of everyday clichés; meaningless joy; representation of contradictions; and categorization. Based on the frequency of these themes, it can be concluded that the primary fantasy-theme of this page is "Dissatisfied Youth: Joy in the Moment". Self-mockery and acceptance of disappointment are the only observed actions in response to these disappointments. By considering the frequency of each theme, character, and situation, we reached thought-provoking results. As shown in the table below, "parent-child challenges" and "self-mockery" are the most frequent themes on the page. Parisa, mother, father, and school staff are also the most frequent character artifacts, respectively. "Home" has been repeated more than others in different situations. Main themes frequency Character frequency Location frequency Parent-child challenges School-child challenges Peer relationship challenges Self-mockery Meaningless joy Representing contradictions Exaggerating everyday clichés Categorization Parisa Mother Father School Staff classmate Friend Neighbor crush other Home School Other (street, park, car, barber shop, desert...) 25 6 8 14 8 5 10 5 24 23 12 9 4 6 2 2 13 38 6 17 Based on the frequency of the themes, characters, and settings observed, the most prominent fantasy-theme on the page appears to be "Parent-Child Challenges". The characters Parisa, mother, father, and the home setting are also the most frequently occurring concepts. Based on the observation, one of the crucial challenges in the parent-child relationship that appears frequently on the page is the previous generation's denial, ridicule, and neglect of adolescents. This, in turn, leads to a sense of dissatisfaction, which is compounded by the pleasant relationship with the previous generation and the desire to rebel against conventional family and social frameworks. Based on the analysis, it can be concluded that "pooorblack" does not explicitly encourage the audience to take rational action to establish the independent character of adolescents. Instead, it presents self-mockery and acceptance of dissatisfaction as the only actions that are evident in response to the challenges of the parent-child relationship and the previous generation's neglect, which ultimately results in a sense of dissatisfaction. Self-mockery is presented as a response to the previous generation's denial and ridicule of the adolescent's character, implying that the adolescent takes on a self-criticism that contributes to a greater feeling of dissatisfaction. Therefore, the solution "exhilaration" provided by empty fun and meaningless jokes may ultimately be temporary escapes from the challenges of life, perpetuating a cycle of denial rather than encouraging constructive change. Discussion The phenomenon of microcelebrities, microbloggers, and even less famous individuals who have not yet fully entered the realm of micro-celebrity, all fall within the broader framework of the culture of fame and self-branding. The use of social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok enables these individuals to curate content and connect with like-minded individuals, helping them to build their personal brands and online presence. They, as consciously or unconsciously, are the artistic and media limbs of the capitalist system, injecting momentary pleasures to control the dissatisfaction of socially unequal classes. According to Adorno, "Gradual, the audience of this media becomes indifferent to reality, instead focusing on a kind of entertainment that doesn't require much attention" (Adorno, 1961: 309-310). These types of pages are entirely based on the distorted tastes of the audience dwelling in this postmodern era. Living in the moment, seeking immediate gratification, ridiculing life's greater concepts, and lacking purpose are the intellectual underpinnings of postmodernism that have seeped into art and cultural institutions. We can witness these signs in phenomena like Instagram pages. In today's visual media landscape, many adolescents enter social media with the dream of 'being seen' and becoming an online celebrity. They partake in creating low-quality content while doing so. These forms of media bypass the strict scrutiny of traditional media, such as television and cinema. Content is produced rapidly and without significant resources, knowledge, or effort. This content can be accessed directly by the audience without the requirement of screening licenses. Furthermore, creator feedback and audience engagement occur instantaneously through direct channels. To engage with the youths of the postmodern era, it is important to appeal to national values and cultural heritage. Identifying genuine Iranian heroes who can compete with the superficial celebrities of the postmodern era can be an effective step towards reducing the disillusionment of Iranian youth and directing them towards impactful individual and social initiatives.

The Impact of Web-Based Learning Technologies on Constructs of Davis' Technology Acceptance Model

Mohammad Ahmadi Deh Qutbaddini; Mohammad Sharafi; Akbar Jadidi Mohammad Abadi

Volume 9, Issue 35 , October 2023, Pages 160-125

https://doi.org/10.22054/nms.2024.68618.1414

Abstract

AbstractProblem StatementResearch on the acceptance of technology by users often focuses on identifying the factors that effectively influence the user's intent or actual usage of technology. ... Read More AbstractProblem StatementResearch on the acceptance of technology by users often focuses on identifying the factors that effectively influence the user's intent or actual usage of technology. Among the educational users of technology, we can mention teachers and learners. Understanding the factors that influence teachers' and learners' acceptance of technology is essential in effective integration of technology into teaching. Teachers are key actors in the successful integration of technology in educational processes. They expect to utilize technology tools to support effective teaching and related activities. With technology's entrance into teaching and learning processes, the requirements for teachers to integrate technology into their duties have also increased. Research suggests that teachers may not utilize technology for professional purposes unless it is compatible with the expectations of stakeholders and the extent of the school's digital infrastructure (Teo, 2019). Among the external factors influencing the implementation of technology in educational environments, the characteristics of the technology itself are especially important. The characteristics of technology represent the attributes that aid individuals or organizations in forming perceptions regarding its perceived usefulness and ease of use. This, in turn, influences their overall willingness to adopt and use the technology (Nuryyev et al., 2020). In the realm of web-based technologies, a prominent study that was referred to in Ifinedo (2006) identified two factors that significantly predict ease of use. The factors noted were ease of understanding and ease of locating information. According to Brown (2000), ease of finding entails not only the idea that technology should be simple to navigate but also that it should enable user returning to previous pages easily. Ease of understanding of web-based learning technology encompasses the need for clarity, suitability for modifications and graphics, and visual appeal. Further, the technology must enable links to detailed information about topics for easy reference. In the field of education, the structure of web-based technology refers to the comprehensibility of pre-defined, teacher-driven content or patterns, such as those provided by the curriculum or other learning resources. In the study by Brown (2000), the findings showed that these two factors have a significant influence on the ease of web-based technology use. Although Brown's research (2000) established a significant link between ease of use and these factors, less research exists regarding these factors' effects on the usefulness of web-based technology. As per the findings of Ifinedo (2006) which built upon the study by Lee, Cho, Gay, Davidson, and Ingrafea (2003), a significant link was identified between ease of understanding and easy locating, on one hand, and ease of use and practicality of using web-based technology, on the other. Additionally, the findings of Ifinedo's study (Ifinedo, 2506) revealed that both ease of understanding and ease of locating are positive predictors of perceived ease and efficacy of technology usage. Having said that, the research hypotheses are as follows:The direct effect of ease of understanding on perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of use technology is significant.The direct effect of ease of finding on perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of use technology is significant.The direct effect of perceived ease of use on perceived usefulness and attitude toward the use of technology is significant.The direct effect of perceived usefulness on attitude toward the use and behavioral intention to use technology is significant.The direct effect of attitude toward the use of technology on behavioral intention to use technology is significant.The direct effect of behavioral intention to use technology on actual usage of technology is significant.The indirect effect of ease of understanding on perceived usefulness, attitude toward use, behavioral intention, and actual usage of technology is significant.The indirect effect of ease of finding on perceived usefulness, attitude toward use, behavioral intention, and actual usage of technology is significant.MethodologyIn accordance with the research design, the present study was descriptive and quantitative, with a correlation approach, which was aimed to analyze the variance-covariance matrix between the research variables. The statistical population of the research comprised all teachers of Anar City (N=200) in Kerman Province, who were active during the academic year of 2019-2020. According to the table provided by Karjesi and Morgan (1970), a sample size of 127 was determined due to the nature of the research. However, considering the need for a larger sample and with the aim of preventing attrition, 150 teachers were selected using simple random sampling. The chosen sample completed the Technology Acceptance Model questionnaire (TAM) and the WLT characteristics scale, and the collected data were analyzed through path analysis as the statistical method.Research findingsThe results of the data analysis related to the testing of the research hypotheses indicated:Ease of understanding was positively correlated with perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of technology, and this relationship was significant.Ease of finding had a positive correlation to perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of technology usage, and this relationship was significant.Although perceived ease of use had a positive correlation with perceived usefulness, this relationship was significant. However, perceived ease of use did not have a significant effect on attitude towards technology usage.Perceived usefulness had a positive correlation with attitude towards technology usage and behavioral intention to use technology, and both relationships were significantAttitude towards technology usage was positively correlated with behavioral intention to use technology, and this relationship was significant.Although behavioral intention to use technology was found to be positively correlated with actual technology usage, this relationship was not significant.Mediating results revealed that perceived usefulness mediated the relationship between ease of understanding and behavioral intent and between ease of understanding and attitude towards technology, while perceived ease of use also mediated the relationship between ease of understanding and perceived usefulness. All three relationships had positive and significant correlations.Mediating results revealed that perceived usefulness was a mediator in the relationship between ease of finding and behavioral intent and between ease of finding and attitude towards technology, while perceived easiness of use also mediated the relationship between ease of finding and perceived usefulness. All three relationships had positive and significant findings.ConclusionThe obtained outcomes indicated that when guidance using technology was designed to be simple and easily accessible, and when users could simply navigate back to previous pages of their training, technology usage in teaching was rated as being easier and more suitable. Therefore, users viewed technology in a more practical and beneficial light. The findings revealed that teachers generally perceived that technology was more useful and easier to incorporate into their teaching when the terms used were comprehendible and well-suited for their purposes, and when the content provided was simple and structured. Literature reveals that utilizing technology in the educational environment and combining it with the classroom process can make the teaching-learning process more diverse and engaging for students. However, the use of and integration of technology by teachers in the classroom is contingent upon their competence and familiarity with different technologies and their applications. As teachers perceive their own knowledge and competence in technology, it has a direct effect on their understanding of the ease and practical applications of it in their teaching. Specifically, teachers using technology as an educational strategy to improve student engagement and learning outcomes can have positive effects on two significant motivators: perception of ease and usefulness of technology usage in the teaching process. Upon recognizing the benefits technology can confer upon themselves and their students, teachers integrate technology into their curricular curriculum. This, in turn, leads to significant changes in the overall teaching-learning process as teachers utilize the technology for their classroom lessons. Ultimately, this has a positive impact on the teaching-learning process and helps to revolutionize the traditional educational framework. The successful integration of web-based technology into the educational environment demands an efficient design and implementation of the systems. This, in turn, enables improved teacher performance, which, ultimately, leads to teachers recognizing the usefulness of the technology in their teaching process. Previous studies, including those conducted by Salam et al. (2018), have reported that the integration of information and communication technology in educational processes has a broad range of positive effects. These include improving the learning process, enhancing teacher and student motivation, transforming the classroom from a teacher-centered to learner-centered environment, fostering creativity, problem-solving, informational reasoning, communication, and abstract thinking skills. In corroboration of Salam et al. (2018), it has been found that the inclusion of information and communication technology into the educational structure has a wide range of significant effects. These include enhancing the learning process, bolstering teacher and student motivation, transforming the classroom from a teacher-oriented to learner-oriented environment, fostering creativity, problem-solving, informational reasoning, communication, and abstract thinking skills between students and teachers.

The areas of social media marketing adoption and its impact on the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

fatemeh masoomi; hassan biabani; maliheh syavooshi

Volume 9, Issue 35 , October 2023, Pages 196-161

https://doi.org/10.22054/nms.2024.74787.1596

Abstract

AbstractWith the rise of the internet and its potential for global connectivity, small and medium-sized enterprises increasingly utilize digital marketing approaches, most notably social ... Read More AbstractWith the rise of the internet and its potential for global connectivity, small and medium-sized enterprises increasingly utilize digital marketing approaches, most notably social media marketing. This paper is a literature review that examines the influence of multiple factors such as company-specific characteristics and internal and external factors on the adoption of social media marketing. Hence, in this study, the researcher explored the areas of social media marketing adoption and their impact on the performance of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs). The research sample was comprised of senior executives and specialists from SMBs (private sectors) located in Hormozgan Province. The data collection method consisted of a questionnaire widely disseminated to a total of 143 companies. Our findings reveal that social media marketing adoption is positively influenced by technological factors (such as ease of use and perceived usefulness), organizational factors, and environmental factors. In particular, the adoption of social media marketing is indirectly influenced by technological and organizational factors, which mediate the variables of ease of use and perceived usefulness. Our findings indicate a positive and significant impact of social media marketing adoption on the operational outcomes of SMBs. Given these developments, it is recommended that businesses consider the factors that impact the adoption of social media marketing. This approach can create apt internal and external conditions to foster successful implementation.IntroductionWith the emergence of the internet and related technologies, specifically social media platforms, businesses have begun leveraging these platforms as part of their marketing plans. As social media marketing has become a powerful tool in these times, there currently exists an abundance of research addressing various aspects of this topic. However, the research on this type of marketing remains fractured and scattered, which has hindered the establishment of a singular and cohesive framework for analysis. Despite the widespread availability of social media marketing as a tool, its application and the company characteristics that influence its adoption remain understudied. However, the analysis of its role in improving company performance has grown increasingly imperative. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the factors that impact the adoption of social media marketing and its role in enhancing company performance among Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMBs). These contributions will enrich existing theory within this domain. A review of current literature reveals the significance of TOE and TAM as frameworks that facilitate deeper examination of the internal and external factors pertaining to the acceptance of social media. Given their relevance, this research incorporates both theories in its analysis of the adoption of social media marketing within SMBs.MethodologyThis research was carried out across two distinct stages. In the initial stage, a systematic review of literature on the subject was conducted, evaluating articles spanning from the years 2010 to 2021. The subsequent stage involved the development of a questionnaire as the primary data collection tool. Following this, the questionnaire was administered to 143 private SMEs located within the province of Hormozgan. To properly determine the sample size, the available sampling method was utilized. To assess the validity of the questionnaire, multiple methods were applied, including content validity, face validity (feedback from professors), and construct validity (correlation coefficients of extracted means and standard deviations, Formula-R and Larker matrices). Additionally, the questionnaire's reliability was measured through Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability coefficients.FindingsDuring the systematic literature review in the first stage of research, 27 articles were identified as potentially relevant. Following the completion of the data extraction process, a content analysis was performed to organize and analyze the extracted data. The findings revealed a positive and significant impact of technological, organizational, and environmental factors on the adoption of social media marketing. To probe the potential effects of the aforementioned factors, three hypotheses were established. In the first hypothesis, the positive effect of the technology factor on the acceptance of social media marketing was confirmed. In the second hypothesis, the positive impact of organizational factors on the acceptance of social media marketing was validated. Furthermore, the third hypothesis confirmed the positive impact of the Environmental factors on the acceptance of social media marketing as well. A more in-depth examination of the articles revealed that perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness could potentially mediate the relationship between technological and organizational factors and acceptance of social media marketing. To assess the impact of these two variables, four sub-hypotheses were explored. In the first sub-hypothesis, the role of the perceived ease of use in the relationship between technological factors and acceptance of social media marketing was examined. The outcome indicated a positive impact, thus confirming the hypothesis. Additionally, the second sub-hypothesis examined the role of perceived ease of use as a mediator within the relationship between organizational factors and acceptance of social media marketing. The findings supported this relationship, thus validating the sub-hypothesis. The third sub-hypothesis explored the potential influence of technological factors on the acceptance of social media marketing through perceived usefulness. The fourth sub-hypothesis affirmed that organizational factors positively impact the acceptance of social media marketing through perceived usefulness. To ultimately examine the impact of social media marketing acceptance on the performance of SMBs, a framework of hypotheses was established and investigated. To gauge the model's validity and stability, the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method was used, guided by the SmartPLS software.ConclusionThe aim of this research was to investigate the factors influencing the acceptance of social media marketing and how it affects the performance of small and medium-sized private companies. The findings revealed that these effective factors can be categorized into three domains: technological, organizational, and environmental. The study has demonstrated that the acceptance of social media marketing has a significant, positive impact on company performance, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises. From this conclusion, it can be inferred that adopting such marketing strategies can enhance efficiency, increase revenue, and ultimately improve the overall health and success of companies.While this study has thoroughly assessed the direct and indirect effects of technological and organizational factors and environmental factors on the acceptance of social media marketing, it is not exhaustive. There are additional influential factors to consider, including individual, social, relational, and structural elements, that may also have a significant impact on the adoption of this marketing strategy. Therefore, future researchers are encouraged to take these factors into account as well and thoroughly investigate their individual impacts on the success of social media marketing initiatives.

Designing a Model for the Transformation of Social Media in Human Resources

Masoumeh Babaei; Abolfazl Danaei; Farshad Faezi Razi

Volume 9, Issue 35 , October 2023, Pages 232-197

https://doi.org/10.22054/nms.2024.67846.1391

Abstract

AbstractThe present study is written with a new look at the design of an applied model in the field of social media with a focus on the turning point in human resources. The research ... Read More AbstractThe present study is written with a new look at the design of an applied model in the field of social media with a focus on the turning point in human resources. The research approach is to use a hybrid model and validate it in model design. The research was conducted in three phases. The meta-combined approach in identifying indicators of social media evolution in human resources has led to the identification of 98 research-related studies from 1975 to 2021 and 34 indicators. In the screening phase, the researcher with the fuzzy Delphi approach and the opinions of experts considered 9 indicators necessary in designing the model of social media transformation in human resources. In this phase, the researcher has designed the research model using a structural-interpretive modeling approach. Privacy, interactive media and trust building indicators were identified as the cornerstone of the model and the most effective indicators. Indicators of digital transformation, social participation and generational communication are also included in the MICMAC analysis in the interface area. Finally, in the third phase, the researcher has identified a deep gap between the current and the desired situation using the importance-performance approach. The results of the study also identified four distinct periods in the evolution of social media in human resources.Keywords: Social Media, Transformation, Meta-Composition, Structural-Interpretive Modeling (ISM). IntroductionIn the contemporary era, the Internet has emerged as a powerful platform, transforming communication and social behavior and prompting the invention of new modes of interaction. The capabilities of this transformative platform have ushered in new avenues of communication, accelerating the speed and ease with which an unprecedented volume of messages are transmitted and received. This paradigm shift in the field of communication has been facilitated by the existence of the Internet, leading to the development of new channels between individuals and organizations. Additionally, the capabilities of innovative communication technologies, allowing for the swift delivery of messages and the transmission of a significant volume of messages in a brief time span, have driven the desire to widely utilize these techniques. The capabilities of these modern communication technologies have increased the accessibility and convenience of using them. Furthermore, it has emerged as one of the prominent social networks, facilitating a wide range of strategies and ambitions. The impact of social media within this context is unignorable. Corporate environments cannot forego social media. Social media comprises a variegated variety of tools, including wikis, blogs, social bookmarking and social websites, which have witnessed a steady rise in usage over recent decades.Materials and Methods:This research was conducted in three phases. Through the use of the meta-composite approach, a comprehensive review of the related literature was conducted, which identified 98 relevant studies published between 1975 and 2021 and revealed 34 indicators related to social media transformation within human resources. During the screening phase, the researcher, utilizing the fuzzy Delphi (FD) approach and the input of expert opinions, identified nine essential indicators to ensure the inclusion of social media transformation within human resources. In this phase, the researcher designed the research model by employing the Structural-Interpretive Modeling (ISM) approach.Discussion and Results:The indicators related to privacy, interactive media and trust building were identified as pivotal cornerstones of the model and the most influential indicators in the transformation of social media within human resources. Additionally, indicators such as digital transformation, social participation and generational communication were established within the interface area based on the MICMAC analysis. Lastly, in the conclusion phase, the researcher identified a significant gap between the current and desired scenario using the Importance-Performance Approach. The study revealed four distinct periods in the evolution of social media within human resources, further elaborating on the importance of assessing the impact of social media in corporate environments.Conclusions:In today's era, a profound paradigm shift has occurred in communication and information, providing researchers with a novel conception and paradigm of media influence. The vast transformation within the field has offered a distinctive perspective of the nature and function of the media's impact. The shift in communication and information, which many regard as revolutionary and the advent of a new paradigm, corresponds to the emergence and growth of new media across the world. The spread of these mediums, especially the Internet and virtual social networks, has been swift and widespread. These innovative media have transformed the nature of communication, providing a formidable sphere of interaction and influencing various aspects of life.

Twitter Diplomacy: Comparison of the Performance of the Chinese Ambassador Account in Tehran and the Persian Account of the US State Department in the Field of Networking

Mohammad Hasan Sheikholeslami; Davood Rezapour

Volume 9, Issue 35 , October 2023, Pages 276-241

https://doi.org/10.22054/nms.2022.59298.1159

Abstract

AbstractWith the spread of communication technologies in recent years and their growing influence on everyday life, social networks have grown to play a vital role, especially in public ... Read More AbstractWith the spread of communication technologies in recent years and their growing influence on everyday life, social networks have grown to play a vital role, especially in public diplomacy and cyber diplomacy. Among these networks, Twitter has emerged as a pivotal platform, featuring its own unique set of dynamics and advantages as a public diplomacy tool. This study aims to evaluate the performance of two accounts on Twitter, namely, the Chinese Ambassador in Tehran and the Persian Account of the US State Department, toward the Islamic Republic of Iran, via two defined indicators, namely, network proximity and networking capacity. The research investigates these indicators to analyze and compare the accounts' engagement in interactions and networking on Twitter. The findings of this study demonstrate that in terms of the specified indicators, the account of the Chinese Ambassador in Tehran has outperformed the Persian Account of the US State Department. IntroductionRecent advances and developments in communication technologies have facilitated the integration of social networks into daily life. The use of these platforms has grown extensively in the domain of public diplomacy and cyber diplomacy. Among others, Twitter has emerged as a significant platform for conducting public diplomacy. This study assesses and contrasts the effectiveness of two user accounts, namely, the Chinese Embassy's account in Tehran and the Persian Account of the US State Department regarding the Islamic Republic of Iran. Materials and MethodsFor this research, relevant data regarding the chosen Twitter accounts were obtained and assessed via quantitative and qualitative methodology. The parameters used to analyze proximity to the horizontal network structure include tweets, retweets, mentions, and replies, generated by the Chinese Ambassador's account in Tehran and the Persian Account of the US State Department. Both user accounts were scrutinized for their retweet and reply activities, with the subsequent comparisons. In addition to contrasting the numbers of retweets from official governmental sources and responses to users, an effort was made to gain holistic insights by conducting a thorough exploration of the retweet sources and the recipients of responses. To probe the application of Twitter's networking capacity and user engagement, the retweets and mentions from the Chinese Ambassador's account in Tehran and the Persian Account of the US State Department were assessed and compared utilizing the obtained dataset. In this exploration, the retweet sources and mentioned users of the accounts were identified. If necessary, the content was perused to fathom the manner in which the user accounts employed the retweet and mention capabilities to advance their networking interests. Discussion and ResultsThe conducted probes were dissected into two phases. The first phase focused on identifying and analyzing the sources used for retweeting, uncovering significant disparities between the two user accounts in terms of utilizing domestic and international sources. The second phase delved into examining the inclination of the accounts towards engaging in two-way communication with users by responding to their queries. In contrast to the U.S. Department of State's Persian Twitter account, the Chinese Ambassador's account in Tehran showed a more distinguished performance in leveraging this functionality, in terms of both the volume and quality of replies. The scope of utilizing Twitter's networking features was examined via an investigation of retweeting, replying, and mentioning practices. Regarding networking through retweeting, it was determined that the Chinese Ambassador's Twitter account in Tehran endeavored to leverage this feature for expanding relationships from in-person to online realms. In contrast, the US Department of State's Persian Twitter account, in this regard, occasionally engaged with opposition media outlets but refrained from creating an intimate network with this faction. Regarding the employment of replies and mentions for networking, the focal point of the research was on interaction with eminent Iranian elites and notable figures. The Chinese Ambassador's Twitter account in Tehran was found to have outdone the performance of the US Department of State's Persian Twitter account, with reference to both the volume and quality of such engagement, notably through utilizing the replies and mentions features. ConclusionsUpon analyzing the findings, it was discerned that the US Department of State's Twitter account in Farsi exhibited lesser inclinations toward conservatism and vertical power expression compared to the Chinese Ambassador's account in Tehran. On the other hand, the ability of the Chinese Ambassador's Twitter account in Tehran to effectively utilize Twitter's networking capacities, especially through the mechanism of replies for fostering two-way communication, has been far superior to that of the US Department of State's Persian Twitter account. In short, the Chinese Ambassador's account in Tehran displayed superior performance in embracing Twitter's social networking capacity.

Corpus-based Discourse Analysis of the "Coronavirus News" in Some Online News Media of Iran

Atoosa Rotambeik Tafreshi

Volume 9, Issue 35 , October 2023, Pages 317-277

https://doi.org/10.22054/nms.2022.61167.1214

Abstract

Abstract Since the emergence of Covid-19, the globe has faced various challenges concerning health, financial, social, and even political problems. These issues have been noticed and ... Read More Abstract Since the emergence of Covid-19, the globe has faced various challenges concerning health, financial, social, and even political problems. These issues have been noticed and reflected in news media, which holds the potential to sway public opinion in myriad ways. This interdisciplinary research aims to analyze the Covid-19 news coverage presented by Iranian news media throughout three distinct stages (March through November 2020). To achieve this goal, a corpus-based discourse analysis approach, after Baker (2006), has been implemented. The data for this study consists of a corpus of Persian news compiled by crawling the websites of six main Iranian news media outlets, which are believed to represent the three main political factions in Iran: Fundamentalists, Reformists, and Moderates. The data was collected from the month of March to the month of November of 2020. The results of the study indicate that “war” and specifically, “Imposed War” or “holy defense” became the focal point of the discourse of “war with Corona” in Iran. Words like "Sepah (corps), Basij, Jihad, front line, Health defenders, martyr, enemy, defeat, etc." featured prominently in this discourse. Coronovirus was portrayed as a treacherous disease in the discourse of "war with Corona" in Iran. The virus was represented as a tool of the enemy which could be utilized against Iran, and Iran was tasked with conquering the enemy conspiracy. In this discourse, the term "Trump" was frequently employed as the adversary, particularly in the Fundamentalist media. This depiction of "war with corona" as a "holy defense" was emphasized more in the media aligned with the Fundamentalists during the earliest stages of the crisis. Introduction Since the outbreak of Covid-19, the globe has experienced a variety of challenges on multiple fronts including health, economic, social, and political matters. This crisis has been reported by the news media extensively, with varying interpretations and responses by governments all around the world. The Covid-19 pandemic has been the subject of widespread scrutiny and analysis across countless fields. People have actively sought the latest updates, following the news not every day, but almost every hour. Following the onset of lockdowns, it was the news media, especially, which provided the outlet for people to stay informed and perceive what was happening around them. Therefore, examining the news content from multiple perspectives is of great significance, especially given the potential impact the media can have on public opinion. This study examines the Covid-19 news coverage presented by online news media through the lens of corpus-based discourse analysis. Materials and Methods The goal of this interdisciplinary study is to analyze the news coverage of the Covid-19 crisis in Iranian news media via a descriptive- analytical approach. By utilizing a corpus- based discourse analysis approach, based on Baker's (2006) work, this study endeavors to discover variations in how different news media in Iran covered and reported the news of the Covid-19 crisis during the three phases ranging from March to November 2020. For the corpus analysis, Wordsmith 6.0 will be used, and both qualitative, and quantitative methods will be included. Data for this study consists of a corpus of Persian news collected by crawling the websites of six established news outlets in Iran, which are aligned with the three major political factions of the country which include Fundamentalists (Javan and Kayhan), Reformists (Shargh and Etemad), and Moderates (Jomhouri-e Eslami and Asr-e Iran). Thus, the main corpus was divided into three subcorporas based on the political factions. The selection of the news media outlets was based on convenience and purposive sampling. On the first step, Iran's popular online news outlets were categorized in terms of the specific political faction whose views they represented. In the second phase, the accessibility of the online archives of the selected newsmedia outlets was verified, and ultimately the six outlets were chosen. The time frame of this study covers 9 months, namely March through November of 2020. Due to the existence of two distinct peaks of the epidemic in Iran during this interval, combined with the occurrence of important political and social events in Iran and worldwide such as the parliamentary election in Iran and the US presidential election, each subcorpus was additionally segmented into three-month time periods. In this study, the corpora are labeled as the first, second and third periods. The significance of the observed differences between the corpora was measured using the statistical software package, SPSS v21. Discussion and Results During the first stage of analysis on the primary corpora, it was observed that the frequency of the word "corona" (66135 tokens) far eclipsed the frequency of the term "covid" (2505). As a result, "corona" was selected as the primary focus of further analysis. In the second phase, each of the sub-corpora was analyzed based on the 100 most prevalent words in the respective corpora, concordance lists, and keywords. In this way, three overarching themes were established in the corpora: 1- "War with Corona" 2- "Crisis Management. The focal point of this article is the "war with Corona." This narrative includes news pertaining to the rapid proliferation of Covid-19 across the globe and in Iran. In this context, speculations about the possible sources of the disease and global initiatives aimed at handling the crisis also fall within the purview of this discussion. By conducting a thorough analysis of the frequent words and their concordances, it was evident that 41 terms fell into the "war with corona" category. These terms were subsequently investigated across the various corpora in order to discover patterns in their usage. The discourse around "war with corona" includes a plethora of frequently utilized words and phrases, including "confrontation," "battle," and "headquarters." Other prevalent terms include "Basij," "Jihad," and "army." Some words have been utilized to define the coronavirus, most often in derogatory terms. Common words used for this purpose include "sinister," "horrible," "contemptible," and "damn." Additionally, some phrases describe the virus in terms of nationality, like "Chinese" or "American," or use qualitative adjectives, such as "smart," "agressive," and "ungodly." Conclusions The results indicate that "war" and in particular, the terms the "Imposed War" or "holy defense" constitute the central point in the discourse of "War with Corona" in Iran. Terms related to the military, including "Sepah (corps)" "Basij" "Jihad" "frontline" "health defenders" "health Martyrs" "enemy" and "defeat" were abundant in this discourse. The coronavirus was depicted as an inauspicious disease which, according to the discourse, could be wielded by Iran's enemies, and Iran's citizens had to triumph over the enemy machinations. In the discourse surrounding "war with Corona" the term "Trump" features prominently in the media aligned with the Fundamentalists. This depiction of fighting against the virus as a "holy defense" was accentuated more so by the Fundamentalists media during the initial period. Additionally, words such as "confrontation" "threat" "victims" and "dangerous" appeared more frequently in the articles published by the moderate media. According to the analysis performed on the reformist media corpus, words such as "victory" "confrontation" and "killed" appeared with higher frequency. The third period of the corpus intersected with the presidential elections in USA, and their effect was evident in the corpus by the commentary regarding the U.S.A. and the ineffective handling of the virus by the Trump administration. The Coronavirus mortality rate in the U.S.A. was also on the rise during this time.

Examining the Agency of Journalists and News Media in Shaping the Narrative on the Coronavirus Crisis in Iran

Mehdi Latifi Shirejini; Mahmoud Afrouz

Volume 9, Issue 35 , October 2023, Pages 347-319

https://doi.org/10.22054/nms.2022.55222.1044

Abstract

AbstractThe Coronavirus emerged in China in late 2019, and its spread has significantly disrupted social, economic, and political situations on a global scale. This phenomenon presented ... Read More AbstractThe Coronavirus emerged in China in late 2019, and its spread has significantly disrupted social, economic, and political situations on a global scale. This phenomenon presented institutions, organizations, and governments with a significant political opportunity, and the media served as one of the instruments utilized to advance the ideological agendas of various political actors. Underpinned by Baker's narrative theory, this study attempts to investigate the ideological intervention of translators in text translation, specifically as it relates to news texts related to the Coronavirus crisis. To attain this goal, the researcher collected 180 Persian news texts and their English translations from foreign news agencies' websites. Upon analyzing the data using Baker's framing strategies, it was established that the translator's role is critical during times of crisis. The translator's performance has the potential to steer society toward either stability or instability. Moreover, the study revealed that the translator's function in constructing or redefining societal and political identities has significant implications. Additionally, the study highlighted the importance of informing the audience about the translator's role in reconfiguring narratives around the Coronavirus crisis.IntroductionThe Coronavirus crisis that emerged in China in late 2019 considerably impacted various aspects of society, as per studies by Wang et al. (2020). However, the disease's unfamiliarity and the presence of political and social factors impeded experts' understanding and made it difficult for them to arrive at a clear-cut conclusion, as per research conducted by Qi et al. (2020). The global crisis presented a vast realm of opportunity for exploitation by political players seeking to further their personal agendas. The news media, and particularly news translators, played a significant role in assisting these entities to achieve their ideological goals. Considering the aforementioned aspect of media exploitation, it can be argued that translation, being a crucial constituent of media, particularly the news media, faces the same level of control as other elements of media production (e.g., content creation) (Bielsa, 2007). Translation studies have been recently pivoted toward scrutinizing the impact of translation on politico-social relations and the decision-making process of translators. The role of translation in the power dynamics is deemed crucial and influenced by various factors that exert control over the flow of information throughout the entire translation process, from the selection of the text to its completion (e.g., Tymoczko, 2007; Vuorinen, 1995). The present study seeks to examine the ideological intervention of translators in the translation of news texts, as well as the influence of translation on political tensions brought on by the altered narratives around the Coronavirus crisis in Iran.Review of related literatureAccording to Baker (2006), narratives are used as an approach to make sense of reality. Due to individuals' diverse comprehension of reality, their resulting narratives will also be unique. This suggests that everyone will have a distinct perception of events, which may be influenced by personal prejudices and perspectives. Moreover, as per Whooley (Whooley 2006), narratives function as a battleground for political contradictions, where opposing factions seek to establish their narrative as the most conspicuous one. As a result, narratives can be influenced by diverse factors, including power and ideology, to manipulate public opinions. However, power struggles are not confined to narratives alone. As emphasized by Baker (2006), within our communication-centric era, translation is also perceived as a contributing factor in power struggles and plays a pivotal role in steering them. In sum, translation serves as a connection point between individuals from distinct cultures, religious communities, and ideological backgrounds. Furthermore, translation and narration are inextricably interwound, holding significant relevance. In fact, translation empowers narratives to gain prominence, expand their scope, and gain a global foothold. Baker's framework of translation review delineates four different framing strategies for manipulating and shaping the narrative of a specific event. These framing strategies, as detailed by Baker, encompass Temporal and Spatial Framing, Selective appropriation, Labeling, and Repositioning of the players involved. According to Baker (2010), analyzing narratives in translation studies aids in transcending conventional and theoretical approaches. Instead, this enables a greater emphasis on textual analyses that provide insightful information about the driving motivations of parties. Such contextualized observations facilitate a deeper comprehension of the political and social milieu of translation-induced interactions.MethodologyA total of 180 Persian news texts and their English translations, sourced from Iranian and Western-supported foreign news agencies, were collected for the purpose of this study. While the Persian news texts were procured from Iranian agencies, the English translations were attributed to English-language news outlets. The corpus was analyzed via Baker's narrative theory (2006) and framing strategies, namely Selective appropriation, Labeling, Temporality, and Repositioning of participants, aimed at highlighting the relevance of translators' roles during crisis periods.Data analysisAs outlined by Baker (2006), Spatial and Temporal Framing refers to the act of selecting a text and situating it within a particular temporal and positional context. According to Baker (2006), this approach promotes translation accuracy and allows the content to portray the narrative's sequence of events and establish strong connections between past occurrences and present scenarios. This perspective manifests markedly in news translation, particularly in instances where a coherent sequence of events enables translators to create a strong continuum between previous occurrences and their narration of the event. The consecutive nature of the text adds to the clarity and fluency for the audience, fostering a holistic comprehension of its contents.متن مبدأمتن مقصداز دیروز تب داشتم و تست اولیه من آخر شب مثبت شد و از دیشب خود را در محلی ایزوله کردم. چند دقیقه پیش به من اطلاع دادند که تست نهایی مثبت شده است. درمان را آغاز می‌کنم و حال عمومی من خوب است.[1] (ایرنا، 6/12/98)"I had a fever as of last night and my preliminary test was positive around midnight. I've isolated myself in a place since... and now I am starting medication. Mr Harirchi's positive test for Covid-19 was announced a day after he took part in a news conference, where he coughed occasionally and appeared to sweat heavily. (BBC, 25 February 2020)Foreign media extensively covered the issue of Iran's struggle against the Coronavirus outbreak. They highlighted the government's difficulties in managing the crisis and emphasized the infection of the Deputy Health Minister as a case in point. With the selective appropriation, the translators highlighted the probable source of virus transmission within the government delegation and the Ministry of Health. Additionally, the selected focus on the infection of the Deputy Health Minister could also hint at potential repercussions, including the possibility of more government officials contracting the virus and the situation worsening in crucial and sensitive areas, such as government centers.ResultsWith international communication and translation gaining more importance, it has become evident that ideology and politics have a significant role in shaping the translation process. Particularly regarding the Coronavirus and its global reach and impact on various domains, including economics, policy, and social elements, the translation of relevant news texts is undoubtedly influenced by such underlying aspects. This study seeks to appraise the ideological involvement of translators in news texts translation and analyze the resultant influence on the political tensions, via the restructuring of the context of the Coronavirus crisis in Iran.The findings of this study revealed that news agencies, by employing their translators, modified the news material pertaining to the Coronavirus in Iran to align with their respective ideologies and political positions. These manipulations were carried out to present their claims and political agendas concerning the outbreak in Iran as an accurate representation of reality. However, the news professionals and translators affiliated with supporting entities endeavor to implement the agendas and policies of these bodies, thereby challenging the objective interpretation of the events. The findings demonstrate that news agencies and translators manipulate coronavirus news to align with their respective political agendas during the crisis. While the role of the translator is often deemed neutral, its actions are influenced by personal convictions, making the media narrative biased. Given the observations, it becomes clear that during emergencies, such as the spread of the Coronavirus, the media and translators adopt political goals. During such scenarios, it is therefore essential for the public to distinguish between narratives aligned with political agendas. Additionally, in some situations, decisions are taken on political grounds and the selection of specific words, sentences, or texts can steer the narrative in the favour or detriment of a particular faction, body, or establishment. Thus, educating the public regarding such matters holds immense relevance, as it can contribute to restoring social stability whenever a crisis erupts. [1]. TT back translation: I had a fever since yesterday, and my initial test was positive at the end of the night, and I isolated myself in a place since last night. A few minutes ago I was informed that the final test was positive. I start the treatment and my general condition is good. (IRNA News Agency)

COVID-19 on Iranian Twitter and Instagram: Discourse Analysis of Users’ Generated Content During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Hossein Kermani; Amirali Tafreshi; Amir Mohammad Ghodsi; Alireza Bayat Makou; Ali Atash Zar

Volume 9, Issue 35 , October 2023, Pages 396-349

https://doi.org/10.22054/nms.2022.57484.1103

Abstract

Introduction:The present study delves into the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on human life and social interactions, with a particular focus on Iran. The pandemic has substantially ... Read More Introduction:The present study delves into the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on human life and social interactions, with a particular focus on Iran. The pandemic has substantially impacted various facets of human life, resulting in diminishing physical presence in the public sphere to avoid getting infected with the virus, while increasing online interactions on social media platforms. The purposes of this research study include exploring the linguistic constructs developed on Twitter and Instagram in Farsi, during the initial stages of the COVID-19 outbreak in Iran. The analysis is aimed towards providing a comprehensive comprehension of the underlying meanings constructed and negotiated in the early days of Iran's experience with the COVID-19 crisis, particularly in relation to the presence of power dynamics and hegemonic discourses.Materials and Methods:The aforementioned study implements mixed methodologies, featuring a combination of computational and traditional qualitative approaches, namely SOCIAL network analysis and qualitative content analysis, to elevate the depth and validity of the analysis. Specifically, these methods are used to investigate the social networking components and discussive content present within social media. The data collected in this study entails more than 4 million tweets and Instagram submissions from January 21, 2020, to April 29, 2020. The focus of the Twitter data analysis centered on the retweet network, which acted as the information dispersion network. Following data refinement, the retweet network was extracted, comprising more than 2.5 million tweets. Using a modularity-based community detection algorithm, clusters within the retweet network were identified. Five significant clusters, boasting volumes in excess of 4% of the total network, were identified. Each cluster incorporated a selection of individuals identified as the most influential according to the Pagerank index, indicating the highest tweet circulation in the entire network. A sample of 5056 tweets representing the total tweet population (7658) was randomly drawn, following which they were qualitatively annotated via content analysis to identify the underlying discourses. The agreement coefficient, based on Krippendorff's Alpha, was calculated to be 83%.Discussion and ResultsThe findings of this research unveil a total of 71 micro-discourse constructs, clustered into 16 overarching macro-discourses, that were observed on both Twitter and Instagram during the initial days of the COVID-19 outbreak in Iran. Furthermore, the most prevalent micro-discourse formats, sporting the highest frequency counts, were selected for further analysis, resulting in five dominant constructs on Twitter and Instagram each. The investigation of the selected discourses provided insights into their facets and their connection with power dynamics in Iran. Three of the predominant discourse formats were found to be shared between both platforms, with each host possessingConclusionsThis study endeavored to discover and examine the discourses manufactured by Iranian users during the COVID-19 outbreak. The psychological dynamics of these users in the early phases of the pandemic were analyzed in light of Network Framing Theory and Foucault's Discourse Theory. The outcome presents a comprehensive picture of the network agency of Persian users on Twitter and Instagram. Users on Twitter predominantly held a conviction to accuse parties deemed responsible for the outbreak, such as negligence, faith-based assumptions, concealment, and misrepresentation. Meanwhile, Instagram users were positioned as afflicted, either undertaking health preventive measures or suffering the fear and hardships of COVID-19 conditions. This study illustrates that although internet-based networks have encroached on the primacy of conventional media as a leading framing agency, their features and systems still exert a significant influence. Each network highlights distinct frames, with specific content production dynamics, thereby producing diverse discourse constructs. This case study assessed the responses of users during the initial period of the crisis (short-term), but additional research can examine its implications in the medium and long term.

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.

An Analysis of Professional Athletes' Lived Experiences in the Instagram Social Network

farid ganji; sardar mohamadi

Volume 9, Issue 35 , October 2023, Pages 473-445

https://doi.org/10.22054/nms.2022.43034.752

Abstract

AbstractIn the last few years, the use of the Internet has been predominantly the utilization of social media networks. A social media network is a digital platform that enables users ... Read More AbstractIn the last few years, the use of the Internet has been predominantly the utilization of social media networks. A social media network is a digital platform that enables users to connect, share information and collaborate with each other. Social media applications, accessible through smartphones, have become increasingly prevalent and popular. All users with access to smart phones can become members of these social media networks, wherein they can share content and experience communication with other people. These social networks can be aptly described as software, programs, or services that are accessible through mobile devices and enable users to interact with others and share information. Users can exchange news and diverse content with others. Among the myriad social media platforms, Instagram's photo-and video-sharing functionality has gained immense popularity and attracted a significant user base. The continuous growth of Instagram, which relies solely on sending and sharing images and videos without textual descriptions, signifies the increasing appeal of visual social media and users' inclination towards such platforms. The present study sought to explore the lived experience of professional athletes on the Instagram social network. The research methodology was qualitative, employing the "grounded theory" methodology, pioneered by Clark and Brown. This approach is employed to identify, analyze, and report patterns (themes) in data (a number of interviews or a text) through a step-by-step process. The theme encapsulates the significant answer and meaning extrapolated from the data relative to the research question. In contrast to traditional qualitative approaches, this analysis is grounded in inductive reasoning, rather than relying on preestablished theories or frameworks. A theme encapsulates critical information and provides insight into the data and research questions. The theme offers a glimpse into the meaning and concept of the pattern of the data and, according to the researcher's analysis, hints at their understanding of the topic at hand. The theme also denotes a recurring and distinctive element of the text, representing a recurring and salient feature within the data that, in the researcher's opinion, reflects a certain level of comprehension and experience regarding the research question. While recognizing themes may vary from one researcher to another, there are some guiding principles that can be followed to identify significant themes. The theme has a repetitive component, meaning that a theme should appear more than once within the text to be considered a theme. Therefore, a concept or issue appearing only once cannot be regarded as a theme. The population of this study consisted of professional athletes who have been using the Instagram social network for more than two years and possess relevant lived experiences. Since the participants hold considerable experience in the arena of athletic competition, they have been qualified to participate in the study. The presence of sufficient lived experience is a pre-requisite for qualitative research and forms the basis of the selected sample. The researcher employed purposeful sampling and data acquisition until achieving data saturation. Two additional interviews were conducted to confirm data saturation and to confirm the researcher's confidence in the obtained results (7+2). A semi-structured interview was employed to acquire the data. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis, an inductive approach, per which the analysis continued until the most vital themes were extracted. Following the steps of theme integration, consolidation, and elimination, the researcher selected the primary themes, which were deemed to be most suitable for this research and likely to yield fruitful outcomes. The researcher chose themes which offered a greater potential for significant findings in the study. The findings revealed three principal themes: "Liking and Commenting," "Following," and "Gaining Fans." The analysis shows that social media provides athletes with a novel, personal, and unfiltered method of communication, allowing them to convey messages without the intermediation of public relations personnel or journalists. Previously, athletes relied on traditional channels such as televised interviews, newspaper and magazine articles, and statements released through public relations representatives. Athletes can now engage with their fans through a direct and deeply personal communication channel. Additionally, novel social media platforms, including Instagram, have expedited interactions between athletes and sports enthusiasts. These social networks have become breeding grounds for voicing opinions and seeking advice, providing a valuable source of knowledge and expertise for budding athletes. To facilitate the analysis of the interview data, the researcher leveraged qualitative data classification and coding software, NVivo version 10, to manage and categorize the voluminous data. Considering that the substantial volume of data is a salient characteristic of qualitative studies, the researcher opted to use specialized software to organize and categorize the data efficiently.

The Role of Virtual Social Networks in the Relationships of Couples Referring to the Family Court

farid ahmadrad; MOHSEN jadidi; Mohammad Bagher SaberiZafarghandi; Samaneh Sadat Sarkeshikian

Volume 9, Issue 35 , October 2023, Pages 510-475

https://doi.org/10.22054/nms.2023.68821.1419

Abstract

Information and commun Virtual social networks have become the most similar to human society with the process of information explosion that they have undertaken and have become an important ... Read More Information and commun Virtual social networks have become the most similar to human society with the process of information explosion that they have undertaken and have become an important and influencing factor in couples' relationships. The aim of the present study was to identify the role of virtual social space in the relationships of couples referring to the family court, especially its effect on the functioning of the family and their mental health. The current research was among qualitative researches and three types of open, central and selective coding were used to analyze the data. The statistical population of the current study included couples referring to family courts, who were purposefully sampled and interviewed. The tool used in the present study was a structured and semi-structured interview. From the analysis of the conducted interviews, 207 open codes were obtained, among which 8 main themes were extracted to express the lived experiences of the interviewees, which included: "Internet addiction", "covering the emotional and mental void", etc. The result of the study showed that social-virtual space plays an important role in the process of socialization and re-socialization of couples; which, along with other factors, stabilize different attitudes and thoughts and also have a significant impact on their mental health. In summary, it can be concluded that excessive use of media, especially social virtual space, can cause many harms, including excessive dependence on technology, separation and loneliness, internet addiction, depression and boredom, psychological, physical, economic, etc. be in pairs.and boredom, and psychological, physical issues in couplesIntroductionInformation and Communication Technology (ICT), particularly social media networks, has significantly enhanced its influence on family dynamics, owing to its evolving utilization objectives and its ever-growing penetration. The significance of these platforms is highlighted across the family unit, owing to their extensive presence. In fact, virtual social networks, with the exponential growth they have experienced, bear a striking resemblance to the human society at large, and thus, exert a significant influence on marital relations. Studies have demonstrated the pivotal role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the structure and daily routines of couples. In particular, its importance emerges in areas of communication, relationship development, education, work-life balance, leisure time, parenting styles, and others. In light of this, concentrating on identifying shortcomings, gaps, and risks associated with ICT usage in relation to the performance and functioning of couples becomes exceedingly pertinent.Literature ReviewNowadays, families face a myriad of technologies, particularly the introduction of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to their homes. Stevenson (2011) acknowledges that its initial introduction is for educational aims, yet it soon extends to other spheres of socio-cultural life. While the multipurpose nature of ICT enables ease of life, it also breeds disputes among family members. Ghazanfar et al. (2015) assert that the application of ICT can modify the institution of the family itself, as well as its phases of development. Stress and other health-related concerns, safety issues, privacy infringements, access to inappropriate content, reduced social interactions, decreased family gatherings, and changes in dietary habits have become a frequent occurrence in the structure of modern families, arising out of their extensive reliance on Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The number of users of this medium had been estimated at a threshold spanning between 150 to 180 million people in 1999. The figure elevated to over 200 million people in 2002, surpassing 1.5 billion people in 2008 and surpassed 2.4 billion people in 2012, exceeding 2.7 billion people in 2016, and surpassed 3.5 billion people by 2018. Thus, social media platforms have reached a state of widespread adoption and proliferation across all facets of society, culminating in the emergence of new patterns within marital relationships.MethodologyIt is necessary to understand the impact that social media networks have on the relationships of couples attending family courts. In this context, the present study constituted qualitative research and adopted thematic analysis to analyse the data collected. The initial sampling pool consisted of 27 couples (15 males and 12 females) attending family courts, among whom 24 individuals ultimately participated in the study. For this study, structured and semi-structured interviews were utilized as the main tools for data collection. The key questions are:How have social media platforms impacted the functioning of couples?What are the background factors associated with excessive usage of social media networks?What could be the repercussions of the excessive utilization of social media networks?ResultsUpon analysing the transcribed interviews, a total of 207 open codes were derived. These open codes were grouped into seven essential themes, each depicting the realities that the interviewees experienced, namely: "Internet addiction"; "Covering the emotional and mental void"; "Non-recognition"; "Online sexual activities"; "Expansion of entertainment through social networks"; "Psychological and sociological problems" and "Distorted perception of reality.The results of the present investigative study reveal a wide array of positive and negative impacts of extensive usage of virtual social media networks on interpersonal relationships. While digital platforms can enable communication and enhance communication for partners, such networks can, simultaneously, cause a loss of trust and communication between them. In addition, the results revealed that the availability and ease of accessibility of social media platforms can increase the likelihood of engaging in extra-marital online sexual activities, which can generate feelings of betrayal and distrust, causing an eventual breakup. Internet addiction, furthermore, was recognized as a significant drawback of virtual media networks in family functioning, and it is associated with adverse psychological and social repercussions, such as depression, anxiety, and decreased social support. Social media platforms can also lead to distortions of reality and unrealistic expectations within a relationship. Curated online profiles may lead to the presentation of idealized and filtered images and details about one's life, creating unrealistic expectations and feelings of inadequacy among partners. This, in turn, can lessen satisfaction and increase tensions in the relationship. The results of the present study revealed that virtual social spaces can contribute to the process of socialization and re-socialization of couples, and this, along with other factors, can potentially result in altering attitudes and perspectives and can also affect mental health.ConclusionThe widespread and multidimensional advancement of internet communication has introduced various challenges and issues to our contemporary existence. In spite of providing numerous benefits, such platforms can pave the path for the dissemination of misinformation, leading to the challenge and subversion of basic values. Social media networks, with their insidious influence, have altered human relationships to an unprecedented extent, enabling the control and manipulation of public opinions, fostering social unrest, and even instigating conflicts and crises. Excessive usage of media, primarily of virtual social platforms, has the potential to spark and exacerbate a plethora of harmful effects on marital relationships, including excessive reliance on technology, separation, and feelings of loneliness, internet addiction, depression, and boredom, on top of causing personal, familial, relational, emotional, psychological, physical, economic, and other difficulties within couples.

Volume 11 (2025)

Volume 10 (2024)

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)

Volume & Issue: Volume 9, Issue 35, October 2023, Pages 510-1

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract