نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
نویسندگان
1 استادیار گروه علوم اجتماعی، دانشگاه پیام نور، تهران، ایران (نویسندۀ مسئول).
2 استادیار گروه علوم اجتماعی، دانشگاه پیام نور، تهران، ایران.
چکیده
کلیدواژهها
موضوعات
عنوان مقاله [English]
نویسندگان [English]
Abstract
The expansion of new virtual social networks has provided a suitable space for the expression of the identity of scattered groups. Today, these communities have found a way to strengthen their collective identity with the help of communication. The article aims to investigate the formation of cultural and psychological renewal components in connection with virtual social networks. Study method: The research is descriptive and was conducted using a survey technique. The statistical population includes all the students of Payam Noor University of Golestan province, numbering 6168 students, of which 463 students were randomly selected using Cochran’s sampling method. Findings: The research findings showed that by increasing the psychological quality of virtual social networks, the formation of components related to cultural and psychological renewal increases in people. The results of the regression analysis also showed that the five subscales of intention to use, type of attitude, usefulness, ease of use, and enjoyment of use predict a total of 86% of the variance of psychological renewal. The results obtained from the output of Smart PLS software showed that the measurement models have appropriate validity (convergent and divergent) and reliability (factor loading, composite reliability coefficient, and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient). Conclusion: The result of the research states that the more use of social networks by students has increased the formation of cultural and psychological renewal components in them, so it is possible to use social networks in the formation of cultural and psychological renewal components.
Keywords: Virtual Social Networks, Cultural Renewal, Psychological Renewal, Students, Payame Noor University.
1. Introduction
Engels and Smith view modernization as a socio-psychological process through which individuals acquire new attitudes, values, and beliefs (Azkia, 2008: 22). Engels identifies two characteristics of modern individuals: an internal characteristic, reflecting personal values and feelings, and an environmental characteristic (ibid: 110). These changes are primarily attributed to modernization factors, including industrial growth, urbanization, education, income, and consumption, as well as various new tools that facilitate these transformations (Shakarbegi & Moini, 2009: 107).
The rise of virtual social networks has created an environment conducive to the expression of identities among dispersed groups. In regions characterized by vast territories and ethnic diversity, such as our country, cultural exchanges are increasingly facilitated by these online platforms (Vahedifard, 2015: 32). Active engagement of young people in social and civic behaviors serves as an indicator of youth development, with a primary focus on promoting health as a core aim in health policies worldwide (Cicognani, et.al. 2008: 99). Students represent a crucial human and spiritual resource, shaping the future of society. Thus attending to their physical, mental, social, and cultural well-being is vital for fostering a dynamic and healthy community in the years to come (Mehri et al., 2012: 299). By enhancing social health, students become more resilient, enabling them to adapt positively to life changes and technological advancements while contributing beneficially to society (Sharbatian, 2011: 152). The primary research question focuses on whether a significant relationship exists between the use of virtual social networks and the development of cultural and psychological modernization components among Payam Noor students in Golestan Province.
2. Materials and Methods
This study employs a descriptive method conducted through a survey technique. It is classified as applied in purpose and cross-sectional in terms of time. The research population consists of all undergraduate students at Payame Noor University in Golestan Province, totaling 6,168 (3,923 women and 2,236 men) as of 1402. A sample of 463 participants was chosen using the Cochran sampling method in a proportional and random stratified manner (where P was set at 0.5, and q at 0.5).
Stratified sampling was implemented, focusing on departments, centers, and gender distribution proportionate to the population. Data collection utilized questionnaires and structured interviews, leveraging Lee’s (2005) standardized questionnaire, which contains 21 questions that gauge the use of social networks as an independent variable across social quality (with subcomponents of adaptability and social impact) and psychological quality (comprising intention to use, type of attitude, network usefulness, ease of use, and perceived enjoyment). The Likert scale responses ranged from “completely disagree” (1) to “completely agree” (5), achieving a validation reliability of 0.847. Modernization elements were measured in two segments: cultural modernization (with subcomponents of fatalism and egalitarianism) and psychological modernization (featuring empathy and motivation for progress), using items from Ahmadi (2011) and Zahedi et al. (2013) on a 5-point Likert scale, demonstrating overall reliability of 0.95.
3. Data
The first hypothesis assessed the effect of social quality in virtual spaces on the formation of cultural modernization components in students. Given that the significance level exceeds 0.05, this hypothesis was not confirmed. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test indicated non-normality in data (p=0.012), leading to the application of the Spearman correlation test for hypothesis examination.
The second hypothesis evaluated the effect of the social quality of virtual social network usage on psychological modernization components in students, revealing a correlation coefficient and significance level (p=0.14) indicating no significant impact.
The third hypothesis explored the influence of the psychological quality of virtual social network usage on cultural renewal components. Results demonstrated a direct and significant relationship, with an increase in psychological quality correlating to enhanced cultural renewal components (statistical value 0.699).
The fourth hypothesis, concerning psychological quality’s effect on psychological renewal components, similarly found a direct and significant influence (statistical value 0.764).
Regression analysis quantified the contributions of independent variables to dependent variables. The ADJ.R2 value highlights that psychological quality predictions account for 80% of the variance in cultural renewal components (appreciation and egalitarianism) and 86% in psychological renewal (empathy and motivation for progress).
Standard coefficients (Beta) of variables illustrated significant prediction capabilities for cultural and psychological renewal component formations. Specifically, a one standard deviation rise in social quality score correlates with a 0.19 standard deviation increase in cultural renewal components, while a similar increase in psychological quality correlates with a 0.22 standard deviation increase in psychological renewal components.
Model fit was evaluated using several criteria, with T-coefficients greater than 1.96 confirming significance at a 95% confidence level, yielding a fit value of 0.47, deemed good. The GOF criterion demonstrated adequate model quality, predicting latent endogenous variables effectively.
Findings indicated that the psychological quality of virtual space, with a path coefficient of 0.217, significantly contributes to cultural modernization, while with a coefficient of 0.180, it influences psychological modernization. Unacceptable path coefficients led to non-confirmation of other hypotheses regarding social quality’s influence on modernization.
4. Discussion
The primary findings from hypothesis testing can be organized into two significant patterns:
1. Key Distinction: Psychological Quality vs. Social Quality
The most notable outcome is the clear distinction in impact between “psychological quality” and “social quality” of social network usage. Contrary to anticipation, social quality components failed to show significant influence on modernization changes, while psychological quality aspects displayed a strong relationship with both cultural and psychological modernization dimensions. This divergence can be interpreted through a social-psychological lens, suggesting that in the cultural context of the studied society, social network usage fulfills individual psychological needs more than it facilitates collective social actions.
2. Selectivity of Effects: Modernization of Objective vs. Institutionalized Values
The second observation pertains to the selective nature of social networks’ effects. The data indicated stronger influences on tangible components like gender equality and motivation to progress, while no significant effects were noted on institutionalized beliefs like fatalism or deep socio-emotional skills such as empathy. These findings underscore that social networks often promote rapidly consumable values, demanding deeper interactions for profound cultural changes.
Suggestions for Future Research: Longitudinal studies are encouraged to capture long-term changes, alongside qualitative investigations to delve deeper into students’ lived experiences with social networking.
5. Conclusion
The research findings indicate that increased engagement with social networks by students significantly enhances the development of cultural and psychological renewal components. Consequently, social networks can be effectively utilized to foster these renewal components.
کلیدواژهها [English]
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