Capacity assessment of virtual networks in the social and political space of Iran (Instagram case study)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 faculty member of farabi

2 professor of political science ,Tehran university ,Tehran ,Iran

10.30510/psi.2022.258574.1355

Abstract

Social networks in Iranian society have always been treated with a uniform approach, so that some have emphasized the benefits of using this technological capability and some have highlighted its disadvantages. But like other social phenomena, the effects of this phenomenon cannot be assumed to be the same in different areas; Leading research in response to the capabilities of virtual networks (Instagram) in the social and political space of Iran has hypothesized that although these networks can cause harm to the value-oriented Iranian society, but in the social and political space can have development capabilities.
With a techno-realist approach and in the framework of Takachua political space theory, this study has examined the capabilities of Instagram, as one of the most widely used virtual social networks in Iran, in creating political communities, expressing political views and participating in political elections in Iran in a descriptive-analytical manner. The results show that this social network can be promoted from capacities such as promoting citizens' interpersonal action, tolerance and citizenship tolerance, the emergence of new reference groups, the mobilization of civil society with the emergence of dialogue society, the development of social relations and the emergence of fluid identities. Have political socialization, reduction of social and political costs, participation and new authoritarianism and social control.

Keywords