The Influence of Utilizing Social Networks on the Generation Gap in Families in 5th District of Tehran

Subject Areas : Iranian Sociological Review

Zahra Ashrafi Habibabadi ¹ , Mastooreh Ezzatzadeh ²

1 - M.A. in Social Communication Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, West Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 - Assistant Professor and Faculty Member, Department of Social Communication Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, West Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

Received: 2020-08-20 Accepted : 2020-08-20 Published : 2020-09-01

Keywords: Social Networks, Generation gap, family,

Abstract :

This study aimed to examine the influence of utilizing social networks on the intergenerational gap between families living in District 5 of Tehran. The method to conduct the research was a kind of survey method, and a researcher-made questionnaire was applied to gather information. The sampling method is a randomized cluster, and 400 people determined the sample size by applying Cochran's formula, of which 200 are girls and boys 15 to 18 years old and 200 are their parents. The questionnaire's validity was approved after presenting it to the professors of communication sciences and social sciences. The total Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.944 for the independent variable (using social networks) and the research dependent variable (generation gap in families in District 5 of Tehran) explains the high internal correlation of items, and in other words, the reliability of the research instruments. The correlation coefficient of the variables and multivariate regression analysis has been applied to analyze the data and information, and these analyzes have been done by SPSS software. The findings indicated a reversed relationship between the application of social networks and the generation gap. That is, the intergenerational gap is decreased by increasing the parent's use of the social network. Social network usage also influences social trust, social values, and religious beliefs in the family. Still, the usage of the social network does not influence individualism in the family.