Document Type : Research Article
Authors
1
PhD Student of Media Management, slamic Azad University of Yazd
2
Professor of Sociology, Yazd University
3
Assistant Professor of Media Management, , Islamic Azad University, Yazd, Iran
4
Associated Professor of Sociology, Yazd University
5
Associate Professor of Business Management,, Islamic Azad University, Yazd,
Abstract
Introduction: This study aimed to analyze the causes and consequences of the networked life of the youth of Yazd by investigating their activities in virtual social networks, as an attempt to explore the paths through which these networks direct the users’ performance. It also tried to interpret the causes and consequences of the expansion of networked life as well as the strategies adopted by the youth to cope with it. To ensure theoretical sensitivity, the theories of Giddens, Manuel Castells as well as the Network Theory were examined.
Method: The qualitative methodology with the Grounded Theory approach as well as the theoretical and purposive sampling method were utilized. Twenty youths of Yazd were selected for in-depth interviews. The interviews continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. After each interview, the recorded conversation was transcribed and analyzed. In the data analysis process, line-by-line analysis was used for open coding, and as the concepts developed and became abstract, axial and selective coding steps were simultaneously applied on the text. Ethical considerations such as lack of violation, informed consent, privacy, anonymity and confidentiality were complied with. A total of about 50 hours of interviews were conducted, the duration of which ranged from 95 to 160 minutes. Pseudonyms were used to meet the anonymity criterion, and the participants' private information was protected in order to meet the confidentiality criterion. The validity of the research findings was confirmed via long contact with the research environment and continuous observation in the research field, peer exchange, adequacy of references, rich description, and approval of the participants. The research reliability was confirmed by complying with the principles and rules of a favorable interview and recording and implementing the entire events. Ethical considerations were also observed and the reflection process was performed before, during and after the interviews.
Findings: The results revealed that the networked life of the youths under study was mainly an outcome of factors such as communication and entertainment, network activities, occupational/educational dependence on cyberspace, (mainly psychological) dependence on cyberspace and under the influence of a set of underlying and intervening factors. Youths adopt different strategies against their networked life. Account blocking, removing the hassle of filtering, and displaying true identities are among the strategies activated among young users. Besides, the networked life has been associated with consequences such as the collapse of family power relations, the breakdown of family relationships, and the fluidity of values, behaviors, and attitudes. This process was presented based on a grounded theory in which the interaction of the constructors of networked life and reflexive currents were shown.
Conclusion: In line with Giddens' theory, the new networked life has given rise to new relationships in the lives of individuals and families in such a way that the crushing wheel of modernity has made citizens reflect on many values and attitudes and turn to a radical, repetitive and pervasive reflection.
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