alireza ghorbani; Mahdi Hamzehpour; ali asghar kia
Abstract
The governance of cyberspace in the Islamic Republic of Iran is faced with numerous challenges, leading to governance in this field being significantly far from the ideal point. The aim of this research is to identify the major factors affecting the improvement of the governance of cyberspace in the ...
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The governance of cyberspace in the Islamic Republic of Iran is faced with numerous challenges, leading to governance in this field being significantly far from the ideal point. The aim of this research is to identify the major factors affecting the improvement of the governance of cyberspace in the Islamic Republic of Iran, prioritize them, and provide strategic recommendations for each of them. In the first step, through semi-structured interviews with 11 experts and then analyzing their content, the components and factors affecting the improvement of cyberspace governance performance were identified. These components encompass the following elements: (1) the fundamental theory and governance model of cyberspace, (2) institutional structure, (3) laws and regulations, (4) macro policies and strategies, (5) the manner of interaction between governance and countries, institutions, and international companies, (6) the manner of interaction between governance and the private sector, (7) the manner of interaction between governance and individuals and non-governmental organizations, (8) the manner of interaction between governance and scientific and research institutions, (9) Officials and agents of cyberspace governance system, (10) Corruption, conflict. In the second step of the research, the importance-performance analysis (IPA) method was employed to assess the components of cyberspace governance identified in the first step. A questionnaire was distributed to 21 experts and specialists in the field of cyberspace governance to gather their insights on the relative importance and performance of each component. After data analysis, using the four-quadrant IPA matrix and the "normalized characteristic weight" table, the priority of each of the eleven components (such as the fundamental theory and governance model of cyberspace, institutional structure, laws and regulations, etc.) was determined. Additionally, strategic recommendations were provided for each of the eleven components to guide their improvement and effective governance.After analysis using the IPA method, the following prioritization of factors is proposed:The method of governance interaction with the private sectorFundamental theory and model of cyberspace governanceThe method of governance interaction with the public and public institutionsInstitutional structureThe method of governance interaction with countries, international institutions, and companiesThe method of governance interaction with academic and research institutionsCorruption, conflict of interest, and monopolyPolicies and grand strategiesOfficials and agents of the cyberspace governance systemLaws and regulationsEnemy infiltrationBased on the positioning of the above factors in each of the four quadrants of the IPA matrix, the following strategic recommendations are suggested: Strategy for the First Quadrant (keeping up the good work):The institutional structure component is positioned in the first quadrant, indicating that its importance is high based on experts' opinions. Regarding its performance, it lies near the border area between the first and fourth quadrants. As a result, the relative performance value of this component lies in the borderline range, meaning that there is room for improvement in its implementation and effectiveness. Component 4, represented by "Policies and grand strategies," has a high relative importance, as it falls in the first quadrant. Additionally, its relative performance value is also high, indicating its current effectiveness in governance of cyberspace. Therefore, this component is considered to need less improvement compared to the other factors. This implies that the policies and grand strategies in place are mostly sound, but there is room for further refinement to enhance the overall effectiveness of the governance of cyberspace. Strategy for the Second Quadrant (waste of resources):Component 11, representing "Enemy infiltration," is situated in the second quadrant, indicating that it has low relative importance, yet its relative performance value is high. This scenario may suggest that the resources devoted to mitigate this factor are potentially excessive or disproportionate to its actual significance. Consequently, it is recommended that this factor be removed from the agenda in order to allocate resources more efficiently and focus on factors that possess higher importance values. Components 3 (Laws and regulations) and 9 (Officials and agents of the cyberspace governance system) are situated in the second quadrant and adjacent to the third, suggesting that their relative importance values are relatively low, yet their relative performance values are moderately high. This indicates that investment in either area may be unnecessary or excessive. It is recommended that a reassessment of the resources allocated to these components be conducted to ensure efficient use of resources and prioritization of factors with higher importance values. Strategy for the Third Quadrant (indifference):Components 5 (The method of governance interaction with countries, international institutions, and companies) and 10 (Corruption, conflict of interest, and monopoly) are positioned in the third quadrant, indicating that they have low relative importance values and low relative performance values. This suggests that there is no need to take action on them, as their impact on the governance of cyberspace is minimal. Instead, resources and efforts can be allocated to factors that have higher importance and significance. Strategy for the Fourth Quadrant (improvement and investment priorities):Components 1 (Fundamental theory and model of cyberspace governance), 6 (The method of governance interaction with the private sector), 7 (The method of governance interaction with the public and public institutions), and 8 (The method of governance interaction with academic and research institutions) are situated in the fourth quadrant, indicating their high relative importance and low relative performance values. Given this, it is recommended that these components be prioritized for improvement and investment, as they represent areas where significant improvement is necessary to enhance the overall governance of cyberspace. Upon examining the components in the fourth quadrant, it is notable that Component 8 lies on the border of the four quadrants, indicating a lower priority compared to the other three components in the fourth quadrant. Furthermore, Components 1 and 7 are situated near the first quadrant, suggesting their relative priority is slightly lower than that of Component 6.
Reza Saberi; Rana Movi
Abstract
This study focused on the reflection of news related to the first wave of the coronavirus outbreak in Iran on two websites: IRIB and BBC Persian. The study aimed to examine how these websites reported on the outbreak and its impact on Iran. Beginning in December 2019, the terms "corona" and "COVID-19" ...
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This study focused on the reflection of news related to the first wave of the coronavirus outbreak in Iran on two websites: IRIB and BBC Persian. The study aimed to examine how these websites reported on the outbreak and its impact on Iran. Beginning in December 2019, the terms "corona" and "COVID-19" have become widely utilized across traditional and modern media as key concepts representing a significant human event. The emergence of this virus in Wuhan, China, initially brought it to the attention of healthcare professionals in hospitals and clinics. As the spread escalated and the pandemic became more widespread, these terms gained increasing prominence in news coverage, reflecting the growing global awareness and concern about the ongoing crisis. This statement correctly describes the definition of a website as a modern media platform that allows content exchange or publication through the use of digital processing tools. The internet's emergence has facilitated the transmission and sharing of information in various forms, such as text, images, videos, and audio, via websites. These platforms utilize digital technologies and programming languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and others to display and manage content, making it accessible and interactive.IntroductionIn this study, the concept of "news" encompassed a wide range of content types related to the first wave of coronavirus outbreak in Iran. These included news articles, reports, interviews, notes, and expert analyses published on the BBC Persian and IRIB news websites. The broad scope allowed for a comprehensive examination of how these websites reported on the outbreak and its impact in Iran during the first wave. In this study, the first wave of the coronavirus outbreak in Iran was identified as beginning on February 20, 2020, and ending on June 6, 2020. To analyze the content of the messages, the study utilized a quantitative content analysis method, coding the content based on 17 variables and 62 sub-variables. This approach provided a structured and systematic means of categorizing and evaluating the content related to the first wave on the studied websites. The statistical population for this study comprised 1,015 units, and the Cochran formula was used to determine that a sample size of 278 units would provide reliable results. To collect the data, a multi-stage sampling method was employed, combining both quota and systematic random sampling techniques. This approach allowed for a representative sample to be obtained while ensuring the appropriate diversity and distribution of the study participants.ResultsThe study found that the coverage of COVID-19 news in Iran is heavily influenced by news values such as "conflict", "magnitude", "comprehensiveness", and “celebrity”. On the other hand, values like "exceptionality", "novelty", and "proximity" had a lesser impact on the news coverage. The representation of the crisis on the studied websites exhibited distinct features. These included factors such as the frequency of coverage, the main source of news, and the tone/framing of the news articles. Some of these include:The findings show that during the first wave of COVID-19, roughly two-thirds (69.1%) of the news on the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) website were sourced exclusively from their own news agency. In contrast, around half (48.2%) of the news published on BBC Persian originated from an unknown source.• Approximately 94% of the images used on the IRIB website had no news direction, while BBC Persian adopted a negative direction in their images (about 41%) as part of a desirable strategy to attract audiences and present an undesirable image of the COVID-19 situation in Iran. Additionally, these statistics highlight the differences in news coverage and sourcing practices between IRIB and BBC Persian news websites during the early stages of the pandemic in Iran.The results reveal that during the first wave of COVID-19 in Iran, the provision of accurate statistics on the number of infected cases accounted for approximately 19% of the content on the IRIB news website. In contrast, only 5.75% of news content on the BBC Persian website addressed this topic, suggesting that the IRIB site paid more attention to providing accurate information about the number of cases.According to the findings, the first wave of COVID-19 in Iran had 2 distinct trends in the coverage of the virus on IRIB and BBC Persian websites, namely the type of news and the use of news sources: News type: The IRIB website mainly focused on providing reports and expert opinions, while BBC Persian relied more on news articles. This difference is likely due to the news value of "comprehensiveness". 2. News source: IRIB relied largely on their own news agency, while BBC Persian sourced its news more variably, potentially influenced by the news value of "exclusiveness".When analyzing the news content on the IRIB and BBC Persian websites during the first wave of COVID-19 in Iran, it became evident that providing accurate statistics on the number of cases constituted a significant portion of the IRIB's coverage (19%) compared to the BBC Persian (5.75%). This discrepancy suggests that IRIB paid more attention to accuracy in representing events during this time frame, whereas BBC Persian placed less emphasis on delivering precise figures related to the virus's spread in the country.When comparing the coverage on the IRIB and BBC Persian websites during the first wave of COVID-19 in Iran, approximately 19% of the IRIB's content focused on providing accurate statistics on the number of COVID-19 cases. In contrast, only 5.75% of the BBC Persian's content addressed this topic. This difference suggests that IRIB prioritized the accuracy of its reporting in representing the events related to the pandemic in the country, while BBC Persian placed less emphasis on providing precise statistics regarding the virus spread.It appears that the IRIB and BBC Persian news websites hold differing perspectives on the origins of the virus. According to the IRIB site, the virus is portrayed as unnatural and man-made, originating from the United States. The BBC Persian website identifies the source of the virus as China, implying a natural origin. These differing narratives could be influenced by political factors and alliances, as Iran and China maintain positive relations, whereas Iran has had strained relations with the United States historically.The analysis of COVID-19 coverage on the IRIB and BBC Persian news websites reveals stark contrasts in their narratives. The IRIB website portrays a positive image of Iran's management of the virus, with 87% of the content reflecting this viewpoint. In contrast, the BBC Persian website adopts a much more critical stance, with 98% of the content portraying the management of the situation in Iran as unfavorable and subject to harsh critique. These differing perspectives likely reflect the various agendas, biases, and political affiliations of each news outlet.ConclusionThe findings of the study reveal that while the COVID-19 pandemic, as a pervasive human disease with significant news values, has attracted substantial coverage on news websites, the commitment of each outlet to a particular framing has resulted in varying narratives. The IRIB website, as a media outlet in favor of the current situation, adopts an "optimistic" approach, whereas the BBC Persian website, a media outlet opposed to the current situation, adopts a "concerned" narrative. This disparity reflects each outlet's allegiance and perspectives, which shape the content they produce.
manochehr shah baba; gholamreza latifi; mohammadreza rasouli
Abstract
The growing prominence of virtual space, combined with the widespread use of tools like Telegram, has brought about significant changes in how citizens, particularly students, interact with each other. The primary objective of this research is to study the consequences of Telegram's role in creating ...
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The growing prominence of virtual space, combined with the widespread use of tools like Telegram, has brought about significant changes in how citizens, particularly students, interact with each other. The primary objective of this research is to study the consequences of Telegram's role in creating social isolation and disrupting students' social interactions. The study was conducted on a sample of high school students in Tehran City in 2017-1398, numbering 384 people, and employed a descriptive-correlation research method. Data collection was performed using both library and field research methods, with the use of a questionnaire to gather data. The results indicate that the use of Telegram has a significant effect on social isolation among students in Tehran, and there is a strong positive relationship between the two factors. This occurs due to insufficient management of the Telegram platform, as well as a lack of proper cultural awareness in using the application. IntroductionIntroduction:Indeed, the rise of cyberspace and the usage of communication tools such as Telegram has brought about numerous changes for people in terms of lifestyle and interaction. It is particularly relevant for teenagers and young people, and its significance in the development of society cannot be overstated. In recent times, a significant amount of focus has been placed on communication, social networks, internet spaces, and communication technologies. However, it is crucial to address the severe damages associated with this phenomenon. It's essential to acknowledge that many personal and social harms are concealed in cyberspace. Social isolation is one of these major issues. Social isolation refers to a lack of social connection to society, wherein an individual holds little to no faith in the valuation mechanism and socialreward system. This often leads to the agreement with everything deemed valid and valuable according to societal standards. Young people hold great significance in every society, and they are considered its foundation. All efforts of a society are directed towards investing in and nurturing this valuable group. Therefore, it is our collective responsibility to safeguard these national values and prevent factors that might endanger or harm them. To this end, we must strive to protect and care for them while promoting their well-being and progress. It is crucial to recognize that students are one of the most vulnerable segments of society in this domain. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the role of Telegram in the social isolation and disruptions in social interactions among students.Method:The research method employed in this descriptive study is correlation, and by utilizing calculated correlation coefficients, the researchers have constructed a structural model. The statistical population of the study consists of all high school students in Tehran for the academic year 2017-2018. Based on the Cochran formula, the sample size was determined to be 384 individuals. In this study, Spearman's statistics and Lisrel's structural equations are applied to calculate the frequency percentage, density percentage, and establish relationships and test hypotheses. A questionnaire serves as the primary tool used to gather data in this research. Three distinct questionnaires, designed for the topics of social network pathology and disorders in interaction and isolation, were utilized. The questionnaire for pathology in social networks is founded on the researcher's model, containing 26 questions that focus on the four prominent areas of social network harms, namely: 1. Social-communicative harms; 2. Behavioral-individual harms; 3. Economic harms; 4. Cultural harms. The interaction disorder questionnaire was constructed by the researcher, which includes the following primary components: 1. Social trust disorder in interpersonal communication and communities; 2. Social cohesion disorder; 3. Coordination disorder; 4. Participation disorder in social and communication activities.And finally, the questionnaire for social isolation, devised by the researcher, encompasses seven essential aspects, including: 1. Feeling lonely; 2. Feeling powerless or helpless; 3. Feeling despair or meaninglessness; 4. Reducing social tolerance; 5. Feeling abnormal; 6. Experiencing social isolation; 7. Feeling alienated. The study utilizes two methods for data collection: library and field research methods. Findings:The outcomes of the research demonstrate that the detrimental aspects of social networks and the escalation of social isolation can significantly influence social interaction and social isolation among high school students in Tehran, with a special focus on the role of Telegram in this phenomenon. The research findings also indicate that the harmful facets of social networks and disruptions in social interactions, particularly in the context of Telegram's role in social interaction or isolation, can have a substantial influence on high school students in Tehran. Furthermore, the study found that a substantial correlation exists between students' isolation and disarray and their utilization of the Telegram social network. Conclusion:Based on the statistical data obtained from the research, the second subhypothesis titled "There exists a connection between the detrimental aspects of social networks and disruption in social interaction" holds the strongest correlation coefficient of (0.910). This implies a robust and substantial relationship between the mentioned factors. This revelation suggests that, amongst high school students in Tehran, the most significant harm that can be ascribed to social networks is social interaction disruption. In essence, the improper and uninformed utilization of social networks has contradictory outcomes compared to its surface appearance. This phenomenon leads people to be more detached from one another, limiting their communication to the realms of virtual space, where it lacks tangibility, is imperceptible, and remains invisible and manageable. This point highlights the adverse impact of social network use on interpersonal relationships due to the lack of recognition among individuals.As a result, the absence of verbal communication can lead to strained connections and failures in relationships. Furthermore, this communication deficiency can cause individuals to encounter challenges in social, organizational, and work settings, with a marked weakness in collective speech. The disruption of social interactions can result in the disruption of social etiquette and norms. Various aspects of communication, such as trust, shared conventions, and interactions, which emerge as a result of optimal communication and participation among members of society, can be compromised. This, in turn, can create social problems and undermine the harmonious functioning of the community. Social isolation will likely have numerous adverse effects across various domains, including cultural, economic, and more. The affected individual may withdraw from society and others, leading to the inability to fulfill their basic needs. Specifically, this can manifest in the form of a diminished sense of belonging to others, reduced acceptance by others, and a weakened sense of group membership. The findings strongly suggest that the usage of Telegram as a social network has a significant influence on the formation of social isolation among high school students in Tehran.
Bahram Nikbakhsh
Abstract
In the current research, citizens' understanding of the desirability of "online news media" and "social media" on preventive measures by the citizens of Khuzestan province has been investigated. Because, the dissemination of false information during the epidemic of the Covid-19 disease, as a prominent ...
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In the current research, citizens' understanding of the desirability of "online news media" and "social media" on preventive measures by the citizens of Khuzestan province has been investigated. Because, the dissemination of false information during the epidemic of the Covid-19 disease, as a prominent social concern, and the lack of dissemination of correct information, is one of the main concerns and aggravates the confusion in the society. In this regard, it is very important to understand the desirability of citizens from mass media in providing reliable information and creating motivation for more participation of people in complying with preventive measures announced by the government. In this context, the role of trust between citizens and the government was examined and paid attention to from the perspective of social capital. Based on this, the current research investigated the desirability of citizens' perception of "online news media" and "social media" during the Covid-19 pandemic and answered the following research questions;1) Does the perceived usefulness of the media help to increase trust between citizens and the government?2) Does trust in the citizens and the government contribute to preventive measures against the disease of Kovid-19?3) Is the perceived usefulness of "online news media" and "social media" different among citizens?The data used in this research was collected in the form of a survey from the citizens of Khuzestan province in 1401. Therefore, the sampling process of the research was such that the data related to the statistical population of people over 20 years old living in Khuzestan province was considered, which showed their perceived desirability of online news media and social media from the perspective of social capital. The analysis unit of this research was conducted in a comparative manner and among the citizens of 20 years and older at the individual level, and the necessary information was collected in this regard. Also, the research was conducted with 384 people in 6 cities with more than 100,000 people in Khuzestan province (Ahvaz, Abadan, Dezful, Mahshahr, Dasht Azadegan and Andimshek), to measure the variables using the Georgian and Morgan sampling method and the pure and final observations of the research, with Entering data related to these variables was analyzed. The current research has evaluated structural equations based on spss24 and pls-smart3 software.Using SPSS-PLS SMART3 software, research hypotheses were analyzed in the form of structural equations. In this regard, it can be said that the path analysis showed the indirect effects of the online news network on preventive measures equal to -438.49. It should be noted that this indirect relationship was due to the variables of trust in citizens (2.907) and trust in the government (26.582). Also, the indirect effect of social media on preventive action was equal to 45.27, and this indirect relationship was due to the variables of trust in citizens (-1.842) and trust in the government (-30.835). In the second step, these two variables have directly influenced preventive measures (values 3.657 and 26.582, respectively). Therefore, it can be said that the concept of social capital has played an important role in building trust between citizens and statesmen to understand the usefulness of the media for the dissemination of preventive information about the covid-19 disease. "Online news media" indirectly affects the "preventive measures" of the Covid-19 disease, and the first hypothesis is confirmed. Also, "online news media" have a positive and significant effect on "citizen trust", so hypotheses 3-1 and 3-2 are also confirmed. In addition, "online news media" has a positive effect on "trust in the government", so hypothesis 2-3 is confirmed, but hypothesis 2-4 is not confirmed. The variables "trust in citizens" and "online news media" have a positive and significant effect on "preventive measures" from the disease of Covid-19, therefore, the fifth hypothesis is confirmed. But the sixth hypothesis about "trust in the government" and its effect on "preventive measures" is not confirmed. In addition, since "social media" does not have a significant effect on "trust in citizens" and "trust in the government", it turns out that "social media" has an effect on "preventive actions" through "trust in citizens". " do not have any direct effect, but "online news media" indirectly affect the preventive measures of the Covid-19 disease through "citizen's trust" and "government's trust
hafize mahdian
Abstract
In the present era, and in Baudrillard's terms, the "era of simulation" has seen postmodern aesthetics permeate various aspects of art and media. Authenticity and meaning have been subjected to satire, with hyperreality taking center stage. As Bauman aptly notes, "Postmodernity is most distinctly marked ...
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In the present era, and in Baudrillard's terms, the "era of simulation" has seen postmodern aesthetics permeate various aspects of art and media. Authenticity and meaning have been subjected to satire, with hyperreality taking center stage. As Bauman aptly notes, "Postmodernity is most distinctly marked by its 'destructive' nature; a destructiveness that mocks and erases everything." In contemporary art and media, the aesthetic sensibilities of the late modern period often emphasize deconstruction and style. This characteristic aesthetic trend can be observed in the profusion of works generated on social networks. Additionally, the medium of communication during the late modern age boasts a unique aesthetic that sets it apart from the aesthetics of the modern period, with regards to both format and essence. Instagram, being a relatively novel platform that embodies the spirit of modern simulation, has emerged as a prominent venue for the creation of visual works influenced by postmodern aesthetics. This aesthetic trend is notably characterized by its increasing representation of meaningless works, thereby rejecting the fundamental principles of modern aesthetics and replacing them with an aesthetic that prioritizes style over substance. In line with its rejection of established notions of meaning and content, the era of simulation further extends this rejection to accepted narratives about knowledge and truth. Instead of asserting definitive knowledge, this era embraces relativism and uncertainty, positioning them as the new standard for knowledge.
The prevalence of postmodern aesthetics in media has rapidly expanded the culture of fame and celebrity. As adolescents, who naturally seek to be recognized and admired, flock to social media platforms, they do so without adhering to the modernist aesthetics that were previously considered desirable attributes such as gravity, cohesiveness, innovation, influence, and abstraction. In contrast, the aesthetic preferences of the current era prioritize a more lighthearted and relatable tone. Instead of adhering to established aesthetics, these adolescents find themselves immersed in superficial echo chambers, attracting an audience that shares similar views and becoming increasingly reliant on that attention. Conversely, their audience loses a proper understanding of reality, as Baudrillard suggests that the dominance of mass media images can “confuse our perception of what we want.” An important aesthetic element found on social media platforms like Instagram and others that are visually oriented, is the "individual-turned-brand," who becomes a piece of consumable media in themselves. These platforms place significant emphasis on the celebrity's representation of their self, making it clear that "views" are central to virtual representations. Within this space, whatever is "seen" more often tends to be perceived as more desirable, leading individuals to go to great lengths to become "more viewable" in order to break into the world of "brands."
Research Question(s)
In this study, we aim to delve into the elements of formal and content-based aesthetics of postmodernism through the lens of rhetorical analysis, using one of the most popular Instagram pages for teenagers as our case study.
Our aim in this study is to gain a precise understanding of these types of adolescent Instagram pages that produce content in a distinctive style. Consequently, we attempt to answer the following questions: What is the difference between postmodern aesthetics and modern aesthetics, and what are the core components that characterize each aesthetic system? This study intends to delve into the intriguing relationship between postmodern aesthetics and the content creation of young micro-celebrities on Instagram. Moreover, we aim to explore the main fantasy and dream that these micro-celebrity pages seek to sell. Additionally, we shall investigate the place of quality artistic style and meaning in the content of these social media influencers.
Literature Review
The majority of scientific research pertaining to the interplay between adolescents and social media tends to emphasize the impacts of social media on adolescents. Conversely, investigations into the world of postmodern aesthetics have largely focused on fields such as cinema, architecture, and the visual arts. Thus, no major research has yet been conducted on the themes of micro-celebrities, adolescent social media users, media aesthetics, and postmodernism, which examines the influence of postmodern aesthetics on their social media pages. For reference, some research has been carried out on "social media aesthetics" and "representations of the self in social media," as follows:
Mohammadvali and Sojjudi (2014) examine the complex topic of authorship and presence within social media in their work titled "Redefining the Authorship Issue through Social Media." They explore the issue of authorship in two main areas: content and audience. The authors highlight the potential of social media to generate and appreciate novel aesthetics, bringing about a transformative shift in our understanding of authorship and aesthetics.
In his work "Postmedia Aesthetics," Lev Manovich proposes a redefinition of the concept of media, replacing it with new concepts derived from computer and network culture. Manovich asserts that this redefinition is essential in order to explain the nature of postmedia aesthetics. Additionally, he outlines the key requirements that this new aesthetic system should meet: namely, it must elucidate how cultural objects organize data and structure the user's experience of data, while incorporating new concepts, metaphors, and functions from the computer and network era.
In the article "The Representation of Everyday Life on the Pages of Instagram Microcelebrities," Mehrpour (2019) examines the themes present in the everyday lives of these influencers through the analysis of six prominent Instagram pages. This study reveals seven key themes: consumerism, luxury orientation, pretense, ancient rituals, creativity, norm-breaking, and creating memories.
Methodology
To ensure a comprehensive understanding of the pages in question, it is essential to analyze both their content and aesthetic form. To examine the content aesthetics, the fantasy-theme method of rhetorical criticism will be applied. Additionally, to understand the aesthetic form of these pages, our attention will focus on technical codes, drawing from the principles of semiotics in video works. Rhetoric is defined as the "effective use of language for persuasion" or "the study of style and structure in writing or speech." Fantasy-theme critique, introduced by Bormann as a method of analyzing worldviews, is one of the rhetorical critique methods. In this context, the term "fantasy" does not refer to imagination or fictional stories; rather, it denotes the shared worldview found in an artist's works (Foss, 2009:98).
According to Foss (2009:101), the artifact analysis in the fantasy-theme critique method consists of a two-step process:
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, we must examine both its "form" and "content." Here's how we will approach the analysis:
To dissect the "content" appeal, we utilized the method of fantasy-theme critique, inspecting 60 artifacts uploaded over a ten-month duration (June 2021 to March 2022). Initially, we concentrated our analysis on the examination of the triad of character, setting, and action within each artifact.
In the second stage, the primary topics of each artifact have been extracted based on the analysis conducted in the first stage. Subsequently, by segregating and organizing the themes of the artifacts, we arrive at the overarching or principal fantasies that define the artifact. Lastly, by taking into account the frequency of each theme, character, and setting, a final evaluation of the page's appeal and its fundamental fantasy is achieved.
· In order to grasp the formal aesthetic of this page, its appeal has been scrutinized based on the following technical elements:
Results
The findings indicate that six primary themes are prevalent in the examined artificats: challenges associated with parent-child, school-student, and peer relationships; self-mockery; the hyperbolization of everyday clichés; meaningless joy; representation of contradictions; and categorizations. By assessing the frequency of the fantasies, it can be deduced that the primary fantasy-theme of this page revolves around "disgruntled youth, joy in the moment." Self-mockery and accepting dissatisfaction constitute the unconsciouse reactions to disappointments.
In light of the frequency of each theme, character, and situation (as described in the table below), the findings are intriguing. Evidently, "parent-child challenges" and "self-mockery" figure prominently among the frequent themes on the page. The characters of Parisa, mother, father, and school staff appear most frequently, respectively. The location of "home" emerges with the highest repetition across diverse scenarios.
Evidently, the most prevalent fantasy-theme is the challenges in parent-child relationships. Notably, the characters of Parisa, mother, and father, as well as the setting of the home, are the most frequent. It is observed that a form of dissatisfaction arises due to the denial, ridicule, and neglect that adolescents face from the older generation. It further suggests that this dissatisfaction might stem from a desirable relationship with the previous generation and as an act of protest against traditional familial and social structures. Although the page "pooorblack" may not overtly advocate for a rational reaction to demonstrate the autonomy of adolescents, its appeal lies in the subtle suggestion to accept dissatisfaction and engage in self-mockery in response to difficulties. While there may not be a direct call to action, the page serves as a platform for self-expression and connection among adolescents who share similar experiences, fostering a sense of shared identity and understanding. Self-mockery indicates that the adolescent has accepted the denial and ridicule of their character, to a certain extent even ridiculing themselves. The route for fleeing from all this denial lies in "exhilaration." The act of making meaningless jokes or engaging in frivolous amusement is a temporary way to evade the realities of life and avert any prospects of reformation. In other words: "Seeing as you are misunderstood, there is no need to try; just use me and find pleasure in these fleeting moments."
Discussion
The growing phenomenon of microcelebrities, micro bloggers, and even less prominent individuals who have not yet fully entered the realm of fame operate within the capitalist framework of fame and self-branding. Both consciously and unconsciously, they serve as the artistic and media extensions of the capitalist system, injecting momentary pleasure in order to control the discontent of socially unequal classes. Adorno asserts that this kind of mass media leads the audience to become indifferent to reality, instead gravitating towards entertainment that does not demand much attention. (Adorno, 1961: 309-310). These types of pages are entirely reliant on the skewed preferences of the audience living in the postmodern era. The foundation of postmodernism, characterized by living in the moment, temporary happiness, mockery of life, disregard for broader concepts, and meaninglessness, has permeated the art and culture of societies. Thus, we observe indications of this phenomenon in phenomena such as Instagram pages.
In the current era of visual media, numerous adolescents enter the realm of social media with the aspiration of "being seen" and attaining online celebrity status, often producing low-quality works. Such works are not subject to the stringent form and content scrutiny of traditional media, such as television or cinema. They require minimal costs, expertise, or time to produce, and are immediately accessible to the audience without the need for approval or screening. Moreover, these creations facilitate direct feedback from the audience to the creators, devoid of any unnecessary delays. One essential approach for engaging with adolescents in the postmodern era is to appeal to national values. By recognizing and acknowledging genuine Iranian heroes who can truly compete with the ephemeral celebrities of this era, it can be a significant step towards mitigating the disillusionment of Iranian youth and motivating them towards constructive individual and communal actions.
Sahar Anbaraki; Sanaz poroushasb; Ghasem Azadi
Abstract
Coronavirus and Covid-19 outbreaks have raised many questions for the public. In a short time, people were able to find the answers they needed to these questions in a variety of ways. Now, it is clear that some people use social media Question Answering (QA) Systems to answer their questions about this ...
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Coronavirus and Covid-19 outbreaks have raised many questions for the public. In a short time, people were able to find the answers they needed to these questions in a variety of ways. Now, it is clear that some people use social media Question Answering (QA) Systems to answer their questions about this disease. So, this study analysis the questions, answers and the reasons of the users who use Question Answering System of ResearchGate in the field of COVID-19. This study is a survey. The Research Gate scientific social network crawler was used to extract the data. 1337 questions and 4857 answers of Q&A system of ResearchGate were collected and analyzed in the last two months of 2020 (November and December) in the field of COVID-19 or Coronavirus. The total number of retrieved data was analyzed and none were omitted. By using a checklist prepared and approved by 8 experts in information science, the type of questions (conceptual, methodological, experiences and skills and questions from other scientific sources) and answers based on citations (to the source via the Internet, to the expert, to the book, article and other offline resources) were evaluated. Due to concerns that not answering the questionnaires could pose a problem, 620 researcher-made questionnaires were distributed online to users to determine why they are using the ResearchGate question and answering system. These reasons were Finding Information, Getting Opinions, Being entertained, Socializing, Being update about contact’s information, Sharing personal Experiences, Getting promotions which have been mentioned in perez and Gomez’s research. 305 questionnaires were completely answered and all of them were analyzed according to Likert scale. Most of the questioners are men (60.6%) and 55.9% have a doctoral degree or even higher. About 61% of the respondents are men and 66.4% have a doctoral degree or higher. Americans asked the most questions (about 39%) and Europeans answered the most (about 31.5%). Respondents asked more questions about people's personal skills and experiences, and respondents referred more to Internet resources. The least resources which were used are books, papers and other offline resources. Also, users are more likely to use the ResearchGate Q&A system to find information (about 17.73%) and get Opinions (about 16.52%). The least common reasons for users to participate in this system is to be entertained or getting promotions which shows that, People use ResearchGate more as a network to access scientific information and to gain personal knowledge about other researchers than as an entertainment and leisure tool. In addition to, having a RJ score above 10 indicates the questions and answers are high quality. in order to find information and opinions of others in the field of Covid-19, people can ask their empirical and skillful questions using the question and answering system of ResearchGate. Questions and answers are of high quality due to the RJ rating above 10. Furthermore, this system allows users to identify specialists based on referrals provided to them and ask their questions directly in the field of Covid-19.
Introduction
Virtual question and answer systems are facilities that these social media provide to their users. These systems are based on Web 2 technology and with a special system for users so that people can share their knowledge with others in the form of questions and answers. Membership in these systems is free and possible for everyone, and people with different information needs can Send your questions and receive answers from users all over the world and choose the best answer from them. Answers that can be shared without time and place limitations. COVID-19 outbreaks have raised many questions for the public. Now, it is clear that some people use social media Question Answering (QA) Systems to answer their questions about this disease. So, this study analyzes the questions, answers and reasons of the users who use the Question Answering System of ResearchGate in the field of COVID-19.
Literature Review
Examining the reasons for user participation, factors such as altruism (Yang, et al, 2011), motivational effects (Meng, et al. 2013), game effectiveness in stimulating voluntary participation (Cavusoglu & Huang, 2015), commitment, common language and common vision Fang, & Zhang, 2019)), users' self-efficacy, expertise and perceived common similarity (Bao & Han, 2019) and social factors such as exchange ideology, community support and social norms (Ondis, 2021) as the causes of users' participation in question and answer networks. The social response has been raised. Perez and Gomez (2011) have mentioned the reasons for using online networks mostly for fun and socializing and less for getting promotion and sharing personal experiences by stating their 7-category. However, despite the research conducted in the field of Covid-19, what kind of questions and answers have been raised about this disease in ResearchGate's Q&A network (referring to internet resources, referring to experts, referring to articles, books, etc.) and what is the RG rank of the questioners and respondents in the subject area of Covid-19, still needs to be investigated. Investigating the reasons for users' participation in the ResearchGate question and answer system as respondents and questioners is also still in question.
Methodolog
This study is a survey. The ResearchGate scientific social network crawler was used to extract the data. 1337 questions and 4857 answers from the QA system of ResearchGate were collected and analyzed in the last two months of 2020 (November and December) in the field of COVID-19 or Coronavirus. By using a checklist prepared and approved by 8 experts in information science, the type of questions (conceptual, methodological, experiences and skills, and questions from other scientific sources) and answers based on citations (to the source via the Internet, experts, books, articles, and other offline resources) were evaluated. Due to concerns that not answering the questionnaires could pose a problem, 620 researcher-made questionnaires were distributed online to users to determine why they were using the ResearchGate QA System. These reasons were Finding Information, Getting Opinions, Being Entertained, Socializing, Being Updated about contact information, Sharing Personal Experiences, and Getting Promotions which have been mentioned in Perez and Gomez’s research. 305 questionnaires were completely answered and all of them were analyzed according to the Likert scale.
Results
Most of the questioners are men (60.6%) and 55.9% have a doctoral degree or even higher. About 61% of the respondents are men and 66.4% have a doctoral degree or higher. Questioners have asked more about people's personal skills and experiences, and respondents have referred more to Internet resources. The least used resources were books, papers and other offline resources. The most people have asked about the experiences and skills of other people in the subject of Covid-19. The most important reason that encourages people to use the Research Gate network and the question-and-answer systems of this network is to find the required information, which accounts for 17.73% of the obtained points. After that, more people refer to Research Gate and participate in it in order to know the opinions of other researchers and to feel social and participate in collective activities. On the other hand, reasons such as having fun and getting promoted with the lowest points show that people use Researchgate more as a platform to access scientific information and gain personal knowledge of other researchers than a network for entertainment and spending their free time.The least common reasons for users to participate in this system are to be entertained or get promotions which shows that, People use ResearchGate more as a network to access scientific information and to gain personal knowledge about other researchers than as an entertainment and leisure tool. In addition, having a RJ score above 10 indicates the questions and answers are in high quality.
Conclusion
Examining and evaluating the quality of answers sent in question-and-answer communities, in addition to the benefits for the user who sends questions to have better criteria for evaluating the quality of received answers, the management of social networking sites is also Having such criteria can have better performance. In this way, many social networks have used the reputation system, a system in which users can earn points based on participation in site activities or their rank on the site by considering factors such as the number of questions answered. Given, the number of answers voted as the best answer and other factors to promote. Based on the search and exploration of the conducted researches, it is obvious that considering that the first social networks that were created were part of the public networks, most of the researches have assigned the subject area to themselves. There is a constant for predicting and evaluating the quality of answers, which is due to the lack of research on the subject, despite its importance. This research can be used as an incentive for researchers to use scientific social networks to obtain the information they need. Also, the final results can be used by designers in order to form the algorithms for the design of social networks and making them professional. In this way, the designers will be informed about the preferences and interests of the users, and finally it will be possible to have higher quality and more user-friendly networks.
Marzieh Raeisi; Alireza Homayouni; Mahbobeh Zaremarzoni
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the structural relationship between behavioral brain systems and emotional cognitive regulation with dependence on social networks in students. The research method is descriptive-correlation based on structural equation modeling. The statistical population included ...
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The aim of this study was to investigate the structural relationship between behavioral brain systems and emotional cognitive regulation with dependence on social networks in students. The research method is descriptive-correlation based on structural equation modeling. The statistical population included high school students. To determine the sample size according to the number of observed variables (17 variables) and assigning a coefficient of 15 for each observed variable, 261 people were selected by available sampling method and responded to Carver & White’s Brain / Behavioral Systems Questionnaire (1994), Granofsky et al. Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (2001), and Khajeh Ahmadi et al Social Network Dependency Questionnaire (2015). Data analysis was performed using structural equation method using SPSS 18 and Amos 24 software. Findings showed that behavioral activation system with social network dependence has a positive and significant relationship, and behavioral inhibition system with social network dependence has a negative and significant relationship, and negative emotional cognitive regulation with social network dependence has a positive and significant relationship and positive emotional cognitive regulation with dependence. It has a negative and significant relationship with social networks. Emotional cognitive regulation also mediates the relationship between behavioral brain systems and dependence on social networks. The research model was also confirmed and in general 75% of the variance of dependence on social networks can be explained by behavioral brain systems and emotional cognitive regulation.
Fatemeh Rahpeymafard; Afsaneh Mozaffari; Davod Nemati
Abstract
The research aims to explore the factors affecting self-presentation among Instagram users and examine their correlations. It adopts an exploratory-sequential design, blending elements of both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The qualitative part is exploratory, while the quantitative part ...
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The research aims to explore the factors affecting self-presentation among Instagram users and examine their correlations. It adopts an exploratory-sequential design, blending elements of both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The qualitative part is exploratory, while the quantitative part is descriptive-survey, providing a comprehensive perspective on the topic. For the qualitative part, a targeted sample of communication and sociology experts who use Instagram was selected through purposive sampling. The study's quantitative component involves a survey of Instagram users in the city of Karaj in 2020. Random selection of participants based on their IP addresses confirmed to be located in Karaj was conducted using data provided by an Instagram advertising company. A total of 384 individuals were identified through Cochran's formula for the quantitative survey. The qualitative phase employed semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis for data collection and analysis. In the quantitative stage, a researcher-devised questionnaire was utilized alongside structural equation modeling through Lisrel software. The results revealed that political characteristics, individual factors, characteristics of the media system, cultural elements, and Instagram-specific features positively and significantly influenced self-presentation. The analysis showed political factors exerting the highest impact, Instagram characteristics the least, while content features had minimal impact.
Introduction
Humans have an inherent desire to be seen and present themselves, and social media has had a significant impact on fulfilling this desire. Previously existing barriers to communicative and self-presenting activities have been largely overcome by these media, offering a range of facilitating features. Individuals can now engage in online socializing by sharing content such as news, photos, and other forms of information (Taprial & Kanwar, 2012:8). Moreover, the possibility of remaining anonymous and the virtual nature of communication in social networks eliminate the challenges and difficulties of real-life communication. As a result, individuals' participation in these networks compensates for the absence of face-to-face interaction with real social groups. Additionally, the nature of online relationships in social networks tends to enhance people's ability to express themselves genuinely and authentically, as confirmed by Antoci, Sabatini, and Sodini (2014, p. 123). A significant feature of self-expression in cyberspace is that it differs from self-presentation in real-life contexts due to the ability to carefully review and edit content before publication. This level of control can lead to self-serving bias, as individuals may feel the need to preserve their personal interests and maintain cognitive consistency. This phenomenon was highlighted by Stănculescu (2011). Some individuals utilize the selective process of online self-presentation in social networks to both seek social support (as noted in Kim and Tussyadiah's 2013 publication, p. 80) and address issues related to low self-esteem, inadequate socio-communicative skills, mental health challenges, shyness, and social anxiety (as cited in Stănculescu, 2011; Yang and Brown, 2016).
Mental and psychological tendencies for self-presentation on Instagram are more prominent than on other social networks. For instance, self-promotion is a more prevalent feature, as evident in research by Marcus (2015). Jackson and Luchner (2018) support this, stating that feedback on Instagram is closely linked to individuals' personalities, particularly in terms of their need for self-definition and connection (Jackson & Luchner, 2018, p. 2). Given the unique nature of communication in these spaces, which offers ample opportunities for diverse forms of self-expression, this phenomenon poses significant challenges at the individual and micro levels. For instance, Instagram's image and video filtering capabilities enable deceptive and fake self-expressions, emphasizing the importance of the issue to the extent that dating sites such as Plenty of Fish, along with others, removed such filters in 2019 due to their deceptive potential (New York Post, 2019). Identity problems, such as social, cultural, and value disintegration, as well as feelings of alienation and narcissism, are among the challenges we observe in the false and exaggerated self-expressions of Instagram users. These issues highlight the need and significance of investigating the factors influencing the self-expression of Instagram users. Addressing one of these concerns, the phenomenon of fear plays a crucial role in shaping how individuals present themselves on this platform. Fear of missing out (FOMO) serves as a potent and motivating factor driving users' self-expression on Instagram. However, a reciprocal factor that limits self-expression is the fear of destruction, disrespect, and loss of privacy. This is an illustration of the intricate factors that influence self-expression in cyberspace and how these elements affect users' self-presentation is an equally intricate subject. The extensive reach and intricacies of these issues warrant detailed scientific research.
By identifying the factors influencing different types of self-presentation on Instagram, it becomes possible to minimize the occurrence of undesirable self-expressive behaviors. Additionally, educating and informing other users about the factors and contexts associated with these behaviors can help them to be prepared against such threats and deceits. Simultaneously, recognizing influencing factors can facilitate the implementation of effective measures to guide users toward positive self-presentation, self-esteem, and self-confidence enhancement. Previous research in this area has mainly focused on self-presentation in relation to specific psychological traits or within restricted groups such as students. No comprehensive studies have yet addressed the factors impacting the general online self-expression of Instagram users, despite their vast number and popularity. With the emergence of domestic platforms being developed to replace Instagram, this research aims to explore the factors influencing the self-presentation of Instagram users in response to the following questions:
What are the factors affecting the self-expression of Instagram users?
How are influencing factors related to the variable of self-expression?
Previous Research
There has been some domestic research on this topic, including a study by Ardakanifard and Rezvizadeh (1399), which explored how Iranian celebrities present themselves on Instagram. The research found that the five components—being special and popular, ordinary and from the society, active and responsible, approved and benevolent, and intimate and people-oriented—represent celebrities as a reference group. Rahimisaj and Moulai Totakhane (1395) conducted a study examining the relationship between types of "self" in the self-presentation of youth on the Cloob site. Their findings indicate that users attempt to portray a positive, idealistic, and perfectionist self image, which may differ significantly from reality. This behavior aligns with Goffman's theory, suggesting that individuals are playing a role by portraying an ideal version of themselves. Lai, Lee, and Borah (2019) conducted a study examining self-expression on Instagram and its effect on friendship among youth. The findings suggest that the perceived richness of Instagram as a social media platform has a positive impact on the self-expression of youth on this platform. Moreover, perceived usage is identified as a mediating factor in the relationship between perceived media richness and self-presentation on Instagram. Wised, Lee, Jahng, and Hong (2019) investigated the phenomenon of excessive self-presentation and its association with social cues and users' evaluations of Instagram selfies. Their findings indicate that filtered selfies receive fewer likes, while the use of social cues in selfies has a positive correlation with the number of likes on Instagram.
Rahardjo, Tanaya, and Qurani (2017) studied the relationship between self-confidence and random friendship, as well as fear of missing out, on the self-expression of Instagram users. Their findings highlight that the only variable influencing self-expression is the fear of missing out, thus emphasizing the importance of its role in shaping self-expression on Instagram.
Research Method
This study is a mixed-method sequential-exploratory research. The qualitative portion of this study adopts an exploratory approach, while the quantitative aspect is descriptive and survey-based. The sample of the qualitative component comprises 12 communication science and sociology experts residing in Tehran. Within this sample, there are 4 female participants and 8 male participants. Out of the 12 participants, 11 hold Ph.D. degrees, and 1 holds a master's degree. The participants were chosen using a non-probabilistic purposive sampling method.
Two criteria were considered when selecting the interviewees for this study. First, the individuals had to be active Instagram users, with varying levels of participation ranging from professional content creation to mere presence on the platform. The second criterion was having a solid academic and research background in the field of social networks, including books, articles, theses, conferences, or other relevant publications. The statistical population of the quantitative part is all Instagram users in the city of Karaj. Choosing Karaj as the sample location is justified by its diverse ethnic and cultural composition, making it a representative sample of Iranian users. The city's diversity and cultural mix are so pronounced that it is commonly referred to as "Little Iran" and the "Land of Seventy-Two Nations."
In the qualitative aspect, the semi-structured interviews with the sample participants proceeded until theoretical saturation was attained and the principle of sufficiency achieved. After the twelfth interview, no additional data were gained, and repetition of the information became evident. It is worth noting that the interview questions were formulated in a general manner, and the participants were not limited to addressing specific questions. Instead, the conversation was guided based on the overall structure, axes, and objectives outlined for the interview, primarily based on the research's aims, questions, theoretical framework, and conceptual foundations. Here are the main interview questions addressed in each interview:
Can you describe the types of self-expression on Instagram?
Based on your perspective, what factors influence how users express themselves within these categories?
Can you elaborate on the factors related to culture and society that impact self-expression on Instagram?
In your opinion, what distinctive facilities and opportunities does Instagram offer for self-expression, setting it apart from other social networks?
The interview data obtained from the participants was analyzed using the thematic analysis technique. Considering the mixed-method approach and the review of relevant literature, theories, and interview data, the template analysis method was utilized. This method was chosen to analyze the themes inherent in the qualitative data, particularly interview data, as it is specifically designed for that purpose.
Discussion and Conclusion
Based on the qualitative findings, it was discovered that political characteristics, encompassing aspects like a country's political system's attitude towards media, the deficiency in effectively facilitating dialogue in physical spaces, and regulations that limit or block social media, constitute the primary determinant of users' self-expression. The quantitative component of the study revealed, through path analysis, that political characteristics have a considerable impact on the self-expression of Instagram users in Karaj. The significance coefficient was determined to be 7.61, and the standardized coefficient was found to be 0.83. Surprisingly, no other research has yet been conducted to investigate the degree of alignment or misalignment with this particular factor.
Within an environment where, due to the political system's handling of diverse issues and the absence of alternatives, there is a visible onslaught of scarcity and deficiency, which manifests in social networks. Moreover, in light of social media's ability to generate, disseminate, and republish news, it is observed that Instagram's space displays a constant focus on sad and painful news, as well as recurrent problems. Instagram's algorithm and the hidden influence of others also contribute to this issue. According to the theory of self-expression, users' self-expression is shaped by environmental characteristics, making this concept applicable here. Instagram users express themselves in alignment with the norms prevalent in their environment and may employ strategies to garner likes and attract followers.
The qualitative findings revealed that individual characteristics, which encompass factors such as personality traits (e.g., extraversion, introversion), self-esteem, fear, conservatism, and mental health aspects, significantly influence users' self-expression on Instagram. The quantitative analysis, conducted through path analysis, substantiated this finding. The significance coefficient was determined to be 6.84, indicating a strong relationship between individual characteristics and self-expression. The standardized coefficient, measured at 0.76. The results of this study are in alignment with the findings of the research conducted by Hamideh Moulavi and Zahra Majdizadeh (1396) on the impact of individual factors on self-expression. Additionally, they are consistent with the findings of the research by Salim et al. (2017) concerning the influence of fear on self-expression.
According to the theory of self-expression, self-expressive activities originate from the fundamental human need for status and recognition. When individual self-confidence and self-esteem are low, strategies may be employed to gain popularity or status, potentially leading to deceptive or false self-expressions. Conversely, if self-esteem and conservatism are high, defensive self-expression strategies may be utilized to evade threatening or harmful circumstances, thereby safeguarding the self from potential harm or destruction. According to the qualitative findings, a country's media system, which encompasses aspects like restrictions and blocking of most social media platforms, weakness in its human and structural resources, and a low level of media literacy within the community, emerged as a significant factor influencing users' self-expression on Instagram. The quantitative analysis, conducted through path analysis, confirmed this finding, revealing a significance coefficient of 5.49 and a standardized coefficient of 0.70. No research was found to specifically examine the alignment or divergence of these factors.
The official media system of the country fails to cater to the audience's needs, and simultaneously, the policy of restricting social media, coupled with the technical and linguistic attributes of the Instagram platform such as anonymity, virtual identity, editing capabilities, and usage of various filters before publishing content, have collectively contributed to driving individuals towards self-expression on Instagram. Under these circumstances, the platform offers ample opportunities for selective self-expression, something not readily available in the societal real space, especially within the country's official media. According to the qualitative findings, cultural characteristics play a significant role in impacting users' self-expression. Within Instagram, a strong preference for oral culture over written culture is observed, along with the emergence of negative aspects of informal culture in contrast to formal culture. Additionally, there is a low tolerance for cultural or ideological differences. The quantitative analysis, conducted through path analysis, confirmed this finding, revealing a significant effect of cultural characteristics.
In the context of self-presentation theory, the presence of observers affects an individual's self-presentation. Furthermore, the characteristics of the social situation are crucial, with cultural norms in the environment determining what non-verbal behaviors are considered acceptable. Given the increasing dominance of these negative aspects on Instagram, it is logical to infer that the self-expression observed on the platform reflects accepted societal values and aligns with the cultural norms of its environment, in accordance with the self-expression theoretical framework. Research in the field of impression management suggests that, under equal circumstances, people often pay more attention to individuals with a greater number of negative rumors surrounding them as opposed to neutral or positive individuals. This phenomenon can explain the spread of rumors and the accelerated dissemination of negative news, as well as self-presentations that significantly differ from the genuine selves of these users.
Based on the qualitative findings, Instagram's formal and structural attributes, such as the capability for anonymity, creating a personal profile without the requirement for verification, a prominent visual culture, the ability to choose one's personal page, the option to privatize it, the possibility of filtering content before publishing, and an easier process of registration and participation when compared to numerous other social media platforms, collectively contribute to facilitating the process of participation and engagement. The quantitative analysis, conducted through path analysis, revealed a significant effect of Instagram's characteristics on the self-expression of Instagram users in Karaj. The standard coefficient was determined at 0.59, with a significance coefficient of 3.24. This finding aligns with the research by Lai, Lee & Borah (2019) regarding the influence of Instagram's media richness on self-presentation. According to Walter's model of interpersonal communications, self-presentation via computer-mediated channels often offers greater planning capabilities and the chance for self-censorship. In this regard, the availability of varied filters for content editing prior to transmission, coupled with the opportunity for selective self-presentation enhancement and improvement, as well as self-censorship on Instagram, is effectively facilitated.
The qualitative research findings suggest that content attributes, such as the message's elements, features, message value, and source, play a role in shaping users' self- expression. However, the quantitative analysis, which included a path analysis test, indicated that content characteristics did not exert a significant influence on the self-expression of Instagram users in Karaj. The significance coefficient was measured at 1.47, with a standard coefficient standing at 0.16. This result diverges from the findings reported in the research conducted by Wised et al. (2019). This discrepancy may stem from the relatively limited impact of these content attributes in comparison to the substantial influence of other influential factors within the specific research at hand. Self-expression actions are generally undertaken with the objective of achieving recognition and status.
Conversely, based on the impression management theory, individuals' behaviors are shaped by the expectations of others within the context of computer-to-computer communications. During the communication process, data deemed appropriate is selectively transmitted and received by both the communicator and the receiver. If the content lacks a perceived value load for the user, is not of particular sensitivity, or if the feedback or response to such shared content could potentially harm the user's reputation or status, this might restrict their willingness to engage in self-expression
Hamraz Tavallaee; Mina Ranjbarfard; Soheila Mehmannavazan
Abstract
Given today's world which is the age of information and communication, we can not ignore the role of social media in the transmission of information and the development of various types of communication. The most important and main element of a social media is its content and one of the features that ...
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Given today's world which is the age of information and communication, we can not ignore the role of social media in the transmission of information and the development of various types of communication. The most important and main element of a social media is its content and one of the features that a content must have in order to engage the user is "emotion”. The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of content features on content engagement (customer engagement) with the role of emotion as a mediator in social media platform (Instagram). The target audience is the Big Bang page followers (Scientific page about Astronomy) on Instagram, who number 795K and the number of samples taken according to Morgan's table was 384. Questionnaire was used to collect data. Data analysis was done with PLS software. The results showed that the content features that include the three dimensions of originality, hedonism and quality have an effect on content engagement that includes likes and comments. Also, the results showed that all three dimensions of originality, hedonism and quality have an effect on emotion. The effect of the emotion variable, which includes the three dimensions of pleasure, arousal and mastery, was also confirmed on content engagement. According to the results of this research, companies need to pay attention to social media platforms to succeed in their business. In fact, organizations should produce useful, entertaining and enjoyable content to engage their customers with their brand as much as possible and make them more loyal.IntroductionIn the current digital age, where the era of information and communication reigns supreme, the pivotal role of social media in disseminating information and expanding various forms of communication in our daily lives cannot be overlooked. Additionally, businesses, regardless of size, rely on social media as an essential tool to broaden their reach and fortify the bond with their customers. Social media platforms have become an indispensable medium through which organizations can engage, connect, and share valuable content with their target audience, ultimately driving growth and success in today's digitally interconnected world. Content plays a pivotal role in social media, and companies must prioritize producing engaging content to attract and retain users. Research has demonstrated that user-generated content tends to be more effective in evoking emotions that encourage participation and interaction among customers, outperforming content created by the organization itself. This underlines the importance of fostering user-generated content as a strategy for building a strong online presence, cultivating a sense of community, and driving engagement on social media platforms.Emotion serves as a critical variable in the equation of user engagement on social media platforms. While previous studies have highlighted the essential features for sparking user engagement, the role of emotion has often been overlooked. By delving into this overlooked aspect, businesses can gain a more nuanced understanding of the factors influencing user participation and interaction. By incorporating emotional elements into their content, organizations can cultivate a deeper connection with their audience and foster a more compelling engagement experience. The importance of considering emotion as a mediating variable in influencing user engagement cannot be overstated. The customers' or users' emotional response to content plays a pivotal role in determining their engagement level. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of content features on customer engagement through the lens of emotion as a mediator, with a specific focus on the social media platform Instagram.Materials and MethodsFor this study, the target population consisted of the followers of an Instagram page dedicated to cosmology and astronomy, based in Tehran. The page earns revenue through advertising. Considering the high number of community members (followers of the examined Instagram page), the sample size was set at 384 individuals based on the unlimited population principle. This breakdown yielded 190 female participants and 194 male participants. To gather data on the content features studied in this research, a questionnaire was administered. The survey was composed of three dimensions of content features, which included originality (questions 1-5), hedonism (questions 6-9), and quality (questions 10-12). These dimensions were derived from the works of Moldovan et al., Nambisan et al., and Huong Duong et al. It is worth noting that simple random sampling was used as the sampling method in this study. To assess the relationship between content features and customer engagement, the study utilized several variables, including likes and comments. For validating the measurement tool, confirmatory factor analysis was used, while the path analysis method was employed to test the hypotheses. Additionally, the Structural Equation Technique was applied using PLS software. Moreover, the emotion variable, consisting of pleasure, arousal, and mastery dimensions, was measured using questions taken from the article by Mazaheri et al.Discussion and ResultsThe findings of the study indicate that content features, specifically originality, hedonism, and quality, significantly influence customer engagement, as measured by liking and commenting. Moreover, all three dimensions of originality, hedonism, and quality have been found to affect emotion. Additionally, the results confirm that the emotion variable, encompassing pleasure, arousal, and mastery, has a notable impact on content engagement.ConclusionsIndeed, based on the study's results, it is evident that companies and brands must focus their attention on the specific social media platform discussed in the research in order to attain business success. Organizations must strive to produce valuable, entertaining, and engaging content to effectively engage their customers and cultivate loyalty. By doing so, businesses can strengthen their brand image and foster lasting relationships with their target audience. To maximize customer engagement on Instagram pages, it is imperative that they exhibit high visual appeal, feature meaningful videos and photos that are relevant to the content theme, and demonstrate the value of the page's content. In this study, a thorough discussion has been provided on the different types of content features and their impact on customer engagement on Instagram. While this study provides valuable insights into the content features and user engagement specific to Instagram, it is important to note that the findings may not be applicable to other social networks such as Twitter and Facebook. Future studies should be conducted to explore the nuances of user engagement on different social networks.
azam mirzaei; zahra yarahmadi
Abstract
The ascendance of Instagram in Iran over the past decade has instigated profound cultural shifts, as evidenced by the participation of approximately 48 million users, comprising more than 50% of the population, on the platform. This expansion has been instrumental in catalyzing the emergence of micro-celebrities, ...
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The ascendance of Instagram in Iran over the past decade has instigated profound cultural shifts, as evidenced by the participation of approximately 48 million users, comprising more than 50% of the population, on the platform. This expansion has been instrumental in catalyzing the emergence of micro-celebrities, Instagrammers, and motivational influencers, who have collectively contributed to a societal emphasis on individual success and bliss. This study seeks to investigate how Instagram has enabled these phenomena, specifically exploring the role of micro-celebrities in fostering individual achievement and entrepreneurial endeavors. The study employed qualitative content analysis, guided by Mayring's framework, to analyze content such as posts, captions, and stories from nine renowned motivational bloggers with over 500,000 followers, drawing insights from data collected from June to July 2022. The research results unveil a myriad of recurring patterns pertaining to perceived happiness and success, such as the mythologization of success, emotional well-being, self-regulation, gratitude, and self-branding. These patterns underscore an interwoven psychology-celebrity culture that is deeply enmeshed with neoliberal economic principles, accentuating individual accountability and underscoring the internal sources of contentment. The research illuminates how micro-celebrities substantially contribute to shaping these narratives, as they position themselves as role models and offer success training packages. Emphasized through self-branding, this phenomenon reinforces the principle of extreme individualism, thereby fragmenting traditional social bonds and elevating the pursuit of personal success into prominence. Innovation in this research resides in its thorough examination of Instagram's influence on societal norms pertaining to success and happiness. The conclusion underscores the profound impact of micro-celebrities on shaping the values and aspirations of contemporary Iranian society through social media, indicating that this phenomenon mirrors global trends in forming personal and cultural identities via social media.
Introduction
The extensive growth of Instagram in Iran throughout the past decade has brought about a restructuring of societal dynamics, particularly in the sphere of self-expression and aspirations. Millions of users have made Instagram a prolific breeding ground for various personas, among them micro-celebrities and motivational influencers, who hold considerable sway over perceptions of success and happiness. This article elucidates the transformational role of Instagram in shaping individual aspirations and societal norms, with a special focus on the rise of micro-celebrities as architects of success and happiness.
Over the past decade, Instagram usage has significantly escalated in Iran. Research conducted by Beat Research Center (2020) indicates that a remarkable forty-eight million individuals (accounting for more than 50% of the population) are now registered Instagram members. Additionally, there is an excess of seven thousand user pages that boast an impressive count of more than 500,000 followers. The escalating growth of Instagram usage in Iran over the past decade has given rise to the emergence of novel concepts, including micro-celebrities, Instagrammers, and motivational influencers. Concurrently, this phenomenon has precipitated the emergence of individuals who prioritize individual triumph in the prevailing positive psychological atmosphere, consequently pervading society.
In recent years, emphasizing happiness has emerged as a significant discourse, with its integration into governmentality as a leading approach. Happiness is defined as a tool utilized to attain harmony and coherence in human behavior.
In the past, this emerging discourse on happiness predominantly occurred within the pages of best-selling magazines and books in Iran (Zaeri and Narimani, 2019). With the emergence of social networks, individuals gained greater freedom to pursue their areas of interest. Consequently, one can find numerous micro-celebrities, influencers, bloggers, motivational bloggers, and others on Instagram, who focus on self-improvement and cultivating a positive self-image. These individuals offer training packages to their followers, asserting that they hold the key to success. (Kohestani et al., 2022). The comprehension of the techniques of “psy” in neoliberal governmentality and the forging of new subjectification has created an imaginary myth, wherein personal happiness, self-control, and entrepreneurship are believed to be achievable for all (Fabian & Strecher, 2018).
Objective
This study seeks to explicate the intricate influence of Instagram on the societal constructs of success and happiness in Iran. The research endeavors to expound upon how Instagram serves as a facilitator for individuals to relentlessly pursue and project their achievements across diverse domains. Furthermore, the study aims to scrutinize the explicit methods through which micro-celebrities capitalize on their platforms to propagate notions of contentment, well-being, and success, thus molding societal discourses and aspirations.
Methodology
Applying a qualitative approach based on content analysis, this research delves into data sourced from the Instagram pages of influential micro-celebrities. Nine prominent micro-celebrities were carefully chosen based on predetermined criteria such as activity level, content relevance, and follower count. A thorough examination of seventy Instagrams, captions, and stories was undertaken to discern recurring themes and patterns associated with the portrayal of success and happiness.
This article adopts a qualitative approach, relying on content analysis to gather and scrutinize data. Mayring's content analysis methodology holds special relevance in this context. Mayring outlines the following analytical techniques: "coding unit," "contextual unit," and "analytical unit." For this study, the data was sourced from the Instagram pages of motivational micro-celebrities with over 1,000 followers, between June 1401 and July 1401. The unit of analysis encompassed published pages and content on micro-celebrities' accounts, including their feeds (comprising of the photos, captions, and stories) of the chosen celebrities.
For this study, nine well-known motivational bloggers, renowned for their millions of followers, were chosen as samples based on the following criteria: 1. active and consistent presence on Instagram with public pages; 2. content centered around personal success, and 3. a follower base of over 500 thousand individuals. A content analysis was conducted on seventy selected Instagram feeds encompassing captions and stories.
Results
The findings highlight the pervasive influence of Instagram in shaping societal perspectives on success and happiness. Through the lens of micro-celebrities, this platform perpetuates narratives centered around individual triumph and self-improvement, thereby fostering a pervasive culture of aspirational achievement. Furthermore, the analysis unveils distinct patterns in the portrayal of happiness, including the glorification of success, emphasis on emotional well-being, advocacy for self-regulation practices, promotion of gratitude, and cultivation of personal branding strategies.
The results of the study indicate that society is presented with a diverse array of patterns related to a happy life. These patterns encompass the glorification of success, an emphasis on emotional well-being, the portrayal of individuals as joy-filled robots, the promotion of practices that foster self-regulation, the teaching of gratitude expression, and the cultivation of personal branding. Additionally, the research demonstrates that psychology-celebrity culture, substantially influenced by micro-celebrities, is profoundly intertwined with neoliberal economic principles, emphasizing the production process. Each of these patterns will be explored in detail in the following paragraphs.
Micro-celebrity and Instagram success myths: in conclusion, the analysis of the Instagram pages of motivational micro-celebrities demonstrates their significant influence in shaping societal perceptions of success and happiness. This study highlights the pervasive impact of Instagram in disseminating narratives of individual triumph and self-improvement within an aspirational framework, as well as the distinct patterns observed in the portrayal of happiness and their concurrence with neoliberal economic principles that place emphasis on the production process.
Retail celebrities and happy robots: positive psychology has proposed a novel lens through which societal norms can be scrutinized and challenged. This approach asserts that positive emotions or emotions associated with positive experiences serve as potential catalysts for altering individuals’ cognitive patterns, thereby conforming to new psychological theories. Similarly, positive psychology introduces alternative normative frameworks that justify the possibility of transforming the status quo. These new perspectives offer avenues for reevaluating traditional models and potentially effecting change in societal beliefs and behaviors.
Micro-celebrities and emotional well-being: by concentrating on our daily thoughts, motivating ourselves to reflect upon ourselves, regulating our emotions, and immersing ourselves in a cycle of pleasurable experiences, positive psychology enables us to learn and cultivate happiness. Employing innovative methods and measurement techniques specifically designed to assess emotional states, individuals gain access to a plethora of options, each carrying a fixed value of happiness. This approach provides individuals with a broad range of possibilities and assigns a specific happiness quotient to each one.
Micro-celebrities and self-regulating human prescription: in essence, the principles of positive psychology advocate for the cultivation of self-determined, self- regulated individuals who are responsible for their own well-being. By encouraging reflection on our thoughts, emotions, and actions, positive psychology empowers individuals to take charge of their lives and actively shape their own happiness. The goal is to adopt a proactive approach to personal growth and development, leading to a deeper sense of fulfillment and contentment.
Micro-celebrities and gratitude teachings: gratitude and appreciation are of immense significance within the realm of positive psychology, echoing spiritual teachings. Gratitude is a recognition of oneself, others, God, life, and the world in which we live. It serves as a criterion for physical and mental health, contributing to the prevention of injuries and psychological and social issues. Individuals who possess this trait tend to have a consistently positive outlook on life, as gratitude fosters a positive mood.
Small celebrities and self-branding: in self-branding, an individual adopts the persona of a consumer product, constructing a desirable image to be marketed to others. This process necessitates the crafting of a favorable public image on social media, along with leveraging the array of job opportunities accessible within the extensive network of social media platforms. This is particularly relevant in circumstances where societal employment prospects are less promising, as self-branding serves as a valuable tool for navigating career advancement.
Conclusion:
The prominence of micro-celebrities on Instagram reflects a transformation towards individualism and self-actualization, drawing from neoliberal ideologies that emphasize personal empowerment and autonomy. As a result, the cohesion of society has started to be predicated on individuals' aspirations for success, while collective objectives increasingly take a backseat. Given Instagram's profound impact on societal norms and values, it is essential to critically evaluate its influence on collective well-being.
One significant consequence of the dominance of individualism in society is the gradual disappearance of the concept of "collective destiny." This phenomenon leads to a society wherein each individual prioritizes their own success, resulting in a group of atomized individuals who yearn for the idealized lifestyles peddled by micro-celebrities. In this context, individuals tend to associate their own achievements or failures solely with their personal skills and abilities, further exacerbating the sense of self-centeredness.
Homa Doroudi; Hadi Mohammadi
Abstract
Nowadays, in the digital world, social media has become a suitable platform for communication and wide influence on the users of these media. On the other hand, the influencers of these media, due to the content they produce, in addition to gaining popularity, have been able to attract many followers, ...
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Nowadays, in the digital world, social media has become a suitable platform for communication and wide influence on the users of these media. On the other hand, the influencers of these media, due to the content they produce, in addition to gaining popularity, have been able to attract many followers, which has provided them with a superior position to influence their followers. The increasing number of social media users has also caused companies and marketers to pay special attention to attract customers from these media. The importance of the powerful influence of influencers is no secret for marketers, and many of them depend on social media influencers to promote their products. On the other hand, knowing the types of characteristics of influencers and their impact on users, as well as the correct understanding of how to manage social media influencer marketing can improve the effectiveness of product promotion and prevent waste of time and money. Today, despite the tendency of people, especially young people, to social media such as Instagram, the importance of conducting a complete research that includes all the characteristics of influencers in order to influence the purchase intention of users, doubles, and if the existing gap not resolved, the best marketing opportunities in These media will be lost. In case, by closing the existing gap and using influencer marketing strategies, the budget can be used in a targeted and optimal way for marketing in the community of Iranian users of social media such as Instagram, which is possible by knowing the characteristics of influencers. Instagram, as one of these media, is a free photo and video sharing platform and has gained a very high popularity in Iran, so much so that nowadays most Iranian influencers are constantly advertising and influencing the purchase intention of their followers. are themselves On the other hand, many users are not familiar with the different dimensions of personality traits that affect the behavioral intentions of users, so that they can make the best decision to improve their business, such as advertising or selling products, through this knowledge and the degree of influence of the desired characteristics. The implementation of influencer marketing strategy in media such as Instagram is expanding for several reasons, such as the possibility of two-way interaction, access to consumer needs, receiving audience feedback, the possibility of developing the base of followers and consumers and turning them into stable customers, etc. On the other hand, considering that the users of these media follow their favorite influencer according to the personality characteristics of the influencers and the different areas in which they produce content, in order to implement the influencer marketing strategy in social media, it is necessary to identify which characteristics of the influencer influence the intention. Buying an audience is very important. In this study, we considered the characteristics of influencers (attitude homophily, physical attractiveness, social attractiveness, influencer credibility, familiarity, compatibility, trustworthiness, perceived expertise, para social relationships, brand attitude, advertising attitude, and hedonistic attitude) as a preliminary to purchase intention. The main purpose of this research is to investigate the factors influencing the purchase intention of users in social media influencer marketing due to personality characteristics in Iran. This research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical, with a survey research method and a causal approach. The statistical population of this research is Instagram social media users in Iran in 1401, whose number is uncountable. The data collection tool is a combination of standard questionnaires and valid scientific articles, and 400 questionnaires were distributed among available users. The test of the hypotheses of the current research was carried out using the structural equation modeling method based on the partial least squares method (SEM-PLS). SPSS and SmartPLS3 software were also used in data analysis. The findings of the research indicated that all the characteristics of influencers have a significant effect on the purchase intention of users and social media influencer marketing strategies should be adjusted based on the characteristics of various types of influencers. Finally, this research determines the effect and relationship between the types of personality traits of influencers and the type of influencers in social media influencer marketing, which affects the purchase intention of users, and at the end provides practical suggestions.
