Investigating the effect of virtual social networks on political activity and the type of attitude towards the political system (case study: students of Kermanshah Azad University)

Abstract

Researchers agree on the ability of the Internet and virtual social networks to provide a favorable platform for the participation of as many people as possible in the process of political activities. The present study was also conducted to investigate the impact of virtual social networks on political activity and the type of attitude toward the political system among the students of Kermanshah Azad University. The current research is a descriptive-analytical quantitative survey. The method of collecting information was the library and field method. The researcher made a questionnaire as the tool used to collect the required data. After determining the validity and reliability of the questionnaire, the questionnaire was distributed and collected. The questionnaire was sent as an online link via virtual channels and groups at the university. The statistical population is about 13,000 people, and considering Cochran's formula, the sample size was determined to be 380 people. The data analysis tool was SPSS software. The results of the research show that the use of social networks has a coefficient of 0.477 on the determination of political orientation, the form of political participation, the context of information exchange and political discussion, the context for freedom of expression, the context for political communication and the context for political participation. Also, the level of use of social network has a significant effect on the political activity of users.