Virtual space and social media studies

Abstract Abstract
Objective:
Fake news has severely overshadowed the process of public awareness and trust, and has caused many damages to the foundations of governance and democracy. These include disrupting all democratic processes, holding healthy elections, practicing any kind of politics, creating disruption in any political and social developments, and even managing natural and social crises, weakening professional journalism, destroying the social communication system of human societies, injecting fake crises into the economy, and weakening the objective and psychological security of human societies. The emergence of these concerns has opened a new path of research to timely control and reduces the destructive effects of fake news on public opinion. One of these cases is the events that occurred in the fall of 1401 in the country, and mainstream media accounts such as BBC Persian and Iran International, while covering the events, also used fake news as a spice for reporting that the events had occurred and user feedback showed that they had not recognized the falseness of this news. To reduce the impact of fake news, the main goal of this research is to provide solutions obtained from discourse analysis. This is done through a discourse analysis of fake news published on X to answer the question of what discursive reactions are needed in these events to deal with fake news published by the X accounts of the BBC Persian and Iran International news networks. X social media was chosen because it has a news and reporting approach more than other prominent social media in Iran such as Instagram or Telegram, and as a microblog, it shares a greater share of the users' virtual interaction space with reporting.
Method:
Critical discourse analysis is often used to refer to Norman Fairclough's approach, because his approach is the most well-established method for research in the field of communication, culture, and society compared to others. This approach examines the relationships between verbal events and cultural, political, and social factors, but specifically emphasizes how discourse is influenced by ideology and how discourse influences power relations in society.
The approach we use in this study is Fairclough's approach. Because by using this approach, we can answer the questions of this study. In his book (Critical Discourse Analysis), he states that: "I consider discourse to be an interconnected set of three elements: social action, discursive action (production, distribution, and consumption of the text), and text. The analysis of a particular discourse requires the analysis of each of these three dimensions and the relationships between them. Our hypothesis is that there is a meaningful connection between the specific features of texts, the ways in which texts are linked and embedded, and the nature of social action.”
Findings:

Reaction to “Launching a reliable X account”;
Reaction to “Media pluralism”;
Reaction “Activity of opinion leaders on social networks”;
Reaction “News literacy and breaking news analysis”;
Reaction “Fact checking”;
Reaction “Returning public knowledge and falsificationism to the media”;
Reaction “Controlling ideological vocabulary using NFM theory”.

Results:
The most important model that can be presented to combat fake news is the establishment of a media outlet with the characteristics of media outlets such as BBC Persian. A media outlet that can be important as a model not only for the country but also for the region. This establishment requires extensive research in psychology, sociology, political science, art, communication and journalism, social networks, technological developments and media economics. Currently, social networks are under the influence of standard and mainstream media in the matter of news; therefore, it can be argued that social networks are not considered a suitable and influential source of news in themselves, but rather with the support and reliance of mainstream media, they are able to broadcast and inform a large volume of audiences and users.
Another suggestion related to the establishment of a standard media outlet is at least in social networks. Whether Iran can create a social media account with credible media frameworks that plays the role of a news agency on social networks to some extent, with millions of followers, is worth investigating. In other words, a mainstream media outlet not in the traditional media world but solely on social networks.
Reflecting the public sphere in domestic media, providing conditions for media pluralism, both in content and type, the activity of opinion leaders on social networks (which seems to be possible today), teaching news literacy and breaking news analysis, teaching critical thinking about media content to members of society as a basis from schools, designing websites for verification and fact-finding, returning public knowledge and falsificationism to the media sphere, controlling ideological vocabulary using the NFM theory, and maintaining social capital and public trust by removing the audience from echo chambers on social networks.
Keywords: Social Network X, fake news, BBC Persian, Iran International Network, Fairclough discourse analysis.

Abstract Abstract
Introduction: What is being transformed in the current environment by means of virtual social networks is the production and construction of fashion and the presentation of the model of human body management. Slimming diets are increasingly becoming one of the common phenomena in Iranian youth and youth cultures (especially in big cities). The changes applied to the body from makeup and appearance, cosmetic surgery, slimming procedures, exercise and the body are examined under the general title of "body management". The reason for choosing Instagram and Telegram in this research is because of the high consumption of these two networks in Iran, according to the latest attitude survey published by the Institute of Knowledge, the most popular social networks used by teenagers and young adults are Instagram with %74%, Telegram with %8, YouTube with %6, Rubika with %6, Ita with %2 and TikTok, Facebook and WhatsApp each with %1are at the top of popularity. The daily use of these people is (Instagram 3: 13), (Telegram 0: 52), (YouTube 0: 35), (Rubica 0: 22) and so on. (Cognition Institute, 1403: 48).
Objective: This research seeks to answer the main question, what is the role of virtual social networks, especially Telegram and Instagram, in body management (case study: women aged 15 to 45 in Karaj city)? We are also trying to answer these questions: Is there a significant relationship between the amount of use of social networks in controlling weight, appearance and cosmetic surgery of women in Karaj? Is there a significant relationship between the duration of membership in virtual social networks in weight control, appearance and cosmetic surgery? Is there a relationship between background variables (age, gender, education, socio-economic base, marital status, ethnicity) and body management of Karaj women? Among the various theories and approaches presented in the above texts, Gidden's theory is used as the main theory in the theoretical framework, according to the subject under study.
Methods: This research was conducted using survey method and questionnaire collection technique; The unit of analysis of this research is women between 15 and 45 years old in Karaj city. The statistical population of this research is women between 15 and 45 years old in Karaj city. Based on the statistics obtained from the census of 2015, the population of these people is estimated to be 297,347 people (Iran Statistics Center, 1403). And the sample size is estimated to be 400 people. The method of determining the sample size is probabilistic and multi-stage cluster type. In this research, all variables have been measured at the highest possible level (interval) and Pearson's correlation coefficient has been used accordingly. and other background variables corresponding to the measurement levels of that test have been implemented. In the present study, content and construct validity methods were used to check the validity of indicators and questions. That is, while paying attention to the relevance and compatibility of the questions and items with the topics and viewpoints raised in the foundations and theoretical framework (structural validity), by referring to the referees (supervisors and consultants and researchers who have research experience in this field) had) the shortcomings of the questionnaire were addressed (face validity). At the same time, in the preliminary exam, the main questions were asked in a semi-open form, and the respondents were asked to write it down if they have any other item or items in mind besides the mentioned items (sample validity). And its reliability has been verified through Cronbach's alpha. Cronbach's alpha calculated for all the above scales is more than 0.7, which indicates good internal consistency between the items. Pearson's test was used to measure the relationship between virtual social networks and body management.
Results: This research shows that there is a significant relationship between the variable of virtual social networks and the three dimensions of body management (weight control, cosmetic surgery, appearance), with a confidence level of %99. The intensity of the relationship between the role of virtual social networks is the highest with the dimension of weight control and the lowest with the dimension of appearance. The intensity of the relationship between the use of social networks is the highest with the dimension of cosmetic surgery and the lowest with the dimension of appearance. Also, the intensity of the relationship between the duration of membership in social networks is the highest with the dimension of weight control and the lowest with the dimension of cosmetic surgery. Among the other findings of the research, it can be said that there is a significant relationship between the variables of the amount of use of social networks, the time of membership in social networks, age, ethnicity, marital status, education and body management, with a confidence level of 99%, the direction of the positive relationship and the intensity of the relationship is moderate. is The results of the research indicate that there is a difference between the average of body management in people with different marital status (sig<0.05) in such a way that single people have more tendency to body management compared to others. And people aged 21 to 25 years are more inclined to body management, compared to people 26 to 30, 31 to 35 and over 40 years old. Other findings of the research show that there is no significant difference between the socio-economic base and women's body management with a confidence level of %95.
Keywords
 Virtual Social Networks, Body Management, Cosmetic Surgery, Weight Control, Appearance Cover.

Abstract ABSTRACT
 
Introduction
The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping various industries, and journalism is no exception. As a cornerstone of democratic societies, journalism plays a vital role in informing the public, shaping opinions, and holding power to account. However, the increasing integration of AI into journalistic practices brings both opportunities and challenges. AI enables the automation of content production, enhances data-driven journalism, and improves audience engagement through personalized content. On the flip side, it raises concerns about ethics, accuracy, trust, and employment in the media sector. This paper explores the future of journalism in the age of AI using the Pillkan model, which provides a structured approach to futures studies by analyzing constants, trends, uncertainties, wildcards, and images of the future.
Objective
This study aims to investigate the profound impact of AI on journalism and media content through a comprehensive exploration of the factors shaping its future. The objectives include:Identifying constants and trends in journalism influenced by AI. Analyzing uncertainties and potential wildcards that may disrupt the field.Exploring desired and undesired images of the future to inform strategic decisions in journalism. Methods. The research adopts a qualitative approach rooted in futures studies, utilizing the Pillkan model as the primary framework. Data were analyzed systematically across the model’s five key factors. For each factor, key findings were derived from credible sources, including scientific studies, industrial reports, and expert insights. These sources provided a robust basis for identifying the constants, trends, uncertainties, wildcards, and images shaping the future of journalism in the AI era.
 
Results
The analysis revealed several key findings across the five factors:
Constants: Core values such as ethical standards, transparency, public trust, and the supervisory role of journalism were identified as enduring foundations. These elements serve as guiding principles for integrating AI into media practices.Trends: The growing use of AI in automating content production, the rise of data-driven journalism, and the personalization of media content are shaping the future of journalism. These trends highlight AI's potential to increase efficiency and audience satisfaction.Uncertainties: Key uncertainties include the regulatory landscape for AI in journalism, audience acceptance of AI-generated content, and the economic implications of automation. These factors present challenges that require adaptive strategies.Wildcards: Potential disruptions such as the emergence of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), large-scale cyberattacks on media systems, and environmental crises due to AI's energy demands could drastically alter the trajectory of journalism.Images of the Future: Desired images include improved audience engagement, higher content accuracy, and the democratization of information through AI. Conversely, undesired images involve reduced public trust, ethical breaches, and the monopolization of AI technologies by a few powerful corporations.
Discussion
The findings underscore the dual nature of AI's impact on journalism. On one hand, AI offers tools to enhance productivity, accuracy, and audience connection. For instance, AI-driven tools can analyze large datasets in seconds, enabling journalists to uncover stories that would otherwise remain hidden. However, ethical concerns surrounding bias in algorithms, loss of human jobs, and potential misuse of AI for spreading misinformation remain significant challenges.Strategically, media organizations must embrace AI while safeguarding human creativity and ethical standards. Policymakers should implement regulatory frameworks to ensure AI transparency and fairness. Moreover, investing in AI literacy among journalists is crucial to striking a balance between technological advancement and journalistic integrity.
Conclusion
This study provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the interplay between AI and journalism, revealing a nuanced landscape of opportunities and challenges. While AI holds immense potential to transform journalism, its integration requires careful management of ethical, economic, and societal factors. By navigating uncertainties and leveraging AI's strengths, the media industry can ensure a sustainable and innovative future.
Keywords:
The future of journalism, Artificial Intelligence, Pilkan Model, Future Studies, Media Content.
 
 

Abstract Long Abstract
Introduction & Objective: The virtual space serves as a powerful tool in today's world, particularly in sports, playing a significant role. Instant communication, news sharing, and interaction with fans are among the positive features of this space. However, there are also anomalies that can negatively impact the management and performance of athletes and sports teams. This research examines and analyzes the management and performance of athletes and sports teams concerning anomalies in the virtual space and the challenges managers face in controlling controversies and crisis management.
Methodology: This study is exploratory-applied in nature, employing qualitative research methods and grounded theory following the Strauss and Corbin approach. Data collection was conducted through interviews. Given the lack of comprehensive studies addressing the performance management of athletes and sports teams regarding anomalies in the virtual space, this strategy was deemed appropriate. The statistical population consisted of 12 experts with scientific and practical expertise in sports management (including senior managers from the Ministry of Sports and Youth and university faculty members in sports management). Participants were selected through theoretical sampling and shared their opinions on the research topic and interview questions. Sampling continued until theoretical saturation was reached. According to the systematic grounded theory design, qualitative data analysis was conducted in three stages: open, axial, and selective coding, resulting in a concrete representation of the generated theory. To ensure the validity of the research, actions such as member checking, peer review with three colleagues, collaborative research, and pluralism were implemented based on the criteria established by Creswell and Miller (2000). The reliability of the conducted interviews was calculated using inter-rater agreement (over 86%).
Results and Findings: According to the participants' views, causal conditions, the main phenomenon, contextual conditions, intervening conditions, strategies, and outcomes emerged as shown in the table below.
According to the systematic model of Strauss and Corbin, the findings of this research are illustrated in Figure 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 



 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 





Causal conditions: 1 Structural factors, Management factors, Financial resources, Human resources, The nature of cyberspace.




 


 





Context conditions:
Internal factors, cultural and social factors, legal and regulatory factors, organizational structure, technical infrastructure and communication platform




 
 
 





Intervening conditions:
Political obstacles, insufficient knowledge about cyberspace, legal issues and restrictions, socio-cultural sensitivities




 


 


 



 
 
 
                                    



 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 


 


 
 
 


 


 
 
 



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure 1. Paradigmatic Pattern for Managing the Performance of Athletes and Sports Teams Regarding Anomalies in Virtual Space
Discussion and conclusion: In this study, 143 open codes and 29 categories (selected codes) were extracted from interviews with 12 experts in the field to develop management and performance of athletes and sports teams regarding anomalies in virtual space. Overall, the results indicate that the identified model can serve as a guide for preventing anomalies in the virtual space related to sports (athletes and sports teams). Effective management of athletes' performance in virtual space requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach that includes education, legal support, and strengthening technical and human infrastructures. By adopting appropriate measures, it is possible to improve the social and psychological conditions of athletes and prevent anomalies in virtual space. This model helps athletes and sports teams become familiar with causal factors, contextual conditions, intervening conditions, and appropriate strategies for using virtual space and the relationships among these elements, leading to economic, individual, social, legal, and cultural outcomes. Additionally, if communication and media managers, athletes, and sports teams adopt this model, it is hoped that a better attitude towards the use of virtual space will emerge.
It is recommended that media and communication officials and senior managers of sports teams change their negative perceptions of virtual space and social media platforms. They should focus on creating regulations for identity verification and validation, establishing legal consequences for deviant behaviors in virtual space, defining and drafting legal approaches for managing crises arising from anomalies in virtual space, penalizing violators in virtual space, and enacting laws to protect athletes and sports teams in virtual space to prevent future occurrences of deviant behaviors. Identifying and prioritizing the educational needs of athletes and sports managers regarding virtual space and crisis management, analyzing effective methods for managing negative feedback and criticisms in the virtual space of athletes and sports teams, or developing coping skills for athletes to manage social pressures and reduce crises arising from virtual anomalies can help future researchers gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in managing athletes in virtual space, thereby improving the social and psychological conditions of athletes and enhancing the quality of management in virtual space.
Keywords: Sports teams, virtual spaces, performance management, virtual anomalies, athletes.
 
 

Abstract Abstract
The digital age has been accompanied by profound transformations in the field of information and communication technology. These transformations have significantly impacted all aspects of human life, including the media sector. Media, as a powerful tool for shaping public opinion and advancing democracy, plays a central role in modern societies. However, these rapid and extensive changes have brought new challenges for legal systems and increasingly highlighted the need to review and adapt media laws to new conditions.
In the digital age, media laws serve as a legal framework for media activities, playing a vital role in preserving freedom of expression, regulating cyberspace, developing the digital economy, maintaining national security, and ensuring public order. These laws help create a safe and healthy environment for information exchange and the free expression of ideas by defining the rights and obligations of various actors in the media sphere. Additionally, media laws contribute to greater transparency and accountability in the media by regulating the relationships between the government, media, and citizens, and preventing the misuse of media.
The rapid evolution of technology and the emergence of digital platforms have created multiple challenges for media laws. Among these challenges are the high speed of technological changes, the definition of abstract issues such as freedom of expression and privacy, conflicts of interest, the globalization of media, and the accountability of online platforms. For instance, artificial intelligence and machine learning have raised new questions regarding the accountability of algorithms and the dissemination of misinformation. Furthermore, determining the boundary between freedom of expression and the dissemination of hate speech or fake news has always been a subject of debate.
To address these challenges, there is a need for comprehensive and collaborative approaches. Some of the most important solutions include: flexibility of laws, international cooperation, engagement with stakeholders, development of media literacy, and the use of regulatory technologies. However, it is essential to ensure that these technologies are designed to respect user privacy.
Research in the field of media laws is particularly important for better understanding the challenges and opportunities present in this area and providing appropriate solutions. By conducting comparative studies on media laws in different countries, one can identify the strengths and weaknesses of domestic laws and take steps to improve them. Additionally, research in this field can contribute to the development of legal theories concerning media, strengthen international cooperation, and enhance democracy.
Given the complexities of this era, the formulation and implementation of effective and efficient media laws require special attention and comprehensive collaboration. Comparative analysis of media legal systems can help develop democracy, strengthen human rights, and combat global threats.
In this context, studying and analyzing the legal system governing media in various countries is recognized as a powerful tool for better understanding the role and position of media in diverse societies. In this research, using an analytical-comparative method, and utilizing legal sources, previous studies, and analysis of laws and judicial practices, the similarities and differences in the media legal systems of Iran and the United States have been examined. The main focus is on concepts such as freedom of expression, the right to access information, press responsibility, press offenses, and media regulation. The results indicate that both countries believe in freedom of expression as a fundamental value, but in practice, we observe different limitations and interpretations. Additionally, the structure of media ownership in these two countries shows significant differences: in the U.S., ownership is primarily private and diverse, while in Iran, a significant portion of the media is under the ownership or supervision of the government and state institutions. The research concludes that understanding these differences and similarities is essential for improving media laws in both countries.
Furthermore, the research addresses the contradictions of a country that claims to be the cradle of freedom of expression. American history is filled with examples that show that this country, despite its claims of defending freedom of expression, has in practice suppressed various social movements. From the civil rights movement of African Americans to anti-war protests, we have always witnessed restrictions on freedom of expression. In recent years, student protests against the Gaza war and the "Black Lives Matter" movement have faced harsh police responses. Additionally, the extensive restrictions imposed on social media for political and economic interests highlight the existing contradiction between the claim of freedom of expression and the reality. The reasons for these contradictions include ambiguous definitions of freedom of expression, changing political priorities of governments, new tools of repression, and the conflict between freedom of expression and political interests.
Ultimately, while freedom of expression is a fundamental value, there are many significant limitations to this freedom in practice, and when conflicts arise between this claimed freedom and political interests, it is attacked in the most severe and unjust manner.

Abstract Objective: The present study was conducted with the aim of designing a pattern of user-generated content on Instagram on the topic of Covid-19

Research method: The dominant paradigm of this study is interpretivism, and the data-based method, which was chosen as a research strategy in this study, is among the interpretive research paradigms. Grounded theory (also known as data-driven theory, grounded theory, and data-based theory) is a general research method and an inductive and interpretive method presented by Barney Glaser Since few and accepted theoretical foundations were available, the grounded theory or data-based approach was generally selected using the ability to generate concepts from data and the relationship between them based on conventional theoretical models . On the other hand, considering the purpose of the research, the systematic data-based theorizing strategy based on Glazer's perspective was selected and adopted, which is also called the emergent approach. In this study, research data was collected using specialized interviews with theoretical and empirical experts and also using limited resources in this field. Therefore, the method of collecting information was library and field. The interviewers included a number of experienced people in the field of health and Communication who had specific defined criteria. An attempt was made to identify competent individuals through extensive communication with activists in the field of designing user-generated content patterns on Instagram on the topic of COVID-19 in the field and select them for participation. Therefore, the statistical population in this part of the research is academic experts in the field of communication at Tehran universities and physicians and staff treating COVID-19 patients in hospitals. These individuals were selected according to the purposeful snowball method until reaching the theoretical saturation point. Also, the interview with the individuals continued until the theoretical saturation was created. Accordingly, the coding of the seventh interview reached theoretical saturation, but for certainty, it continued until the eleventh interview. Therefore, the sampling method is of a purposeful type and theoretical adequacy.