Futurology

Psychological study of the impact of using cyberspace on the thoughts of individuals in the family and society, comparing sparsely populated and densely populated areas

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Vahid Ghanbari 1
sajjad farhang 2
Omid Maraga 3

1 Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology, Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Management, Imam Ali Military University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor of Media Management, Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Management, Imam Ali Military University, Tehran, Iran.

3 م

Abstract
Objective: The present study comparatively analyzes the psychological impacts of virtual networks on social and family processes across different population density scales. In the era of technological governance, while postmodern media has democratized access to information, it has simultaneously challenged the traditional frameworks of upbringing and education.
Methodology: This survey research, grounded in the theoretical perspectives of Inglehart and Allport, examined individuals aged over 15 residing in Tehran metropolis and its surrounding rural areas.The main independent variable was the level of interaction with virtual space, while dependent variables measured the functioning of the family value system and religious beliefs.
Findings:‌Statistical analyses revealed significant differences in the psychological and value-related effects of digital environments between urban (densely populated) and rural (sparsely populated) contexts. These differences were mainly attributed to the diversity of accessible information sources via modern communication tools.Notably, larger families demonstrated higher engagement with virtual networks. Moreover, an inverse and significant relationship was observed between the intensity of virtual space use and the coherence of the family value system.
Originality: These findings highlight the critical need for developing technological literacy programs aimed at maintaining equilibrium between the digital ecology and the structure of mind, ensuring that sociocultural values remain resilient amid rapid digital transformation.

Keywords

;">Digital ecology, structure of mind, virtual networks, family attitudes, social attitudes

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