Sociological Investigation of the Usage of Cyber Space and its Relation with Social Isolation (Case Study: Science and Research Branch Students)
Subject Areas : Iranian Sociological ReviewAli Manteghi Fasaie 1 , Soroush Fathi 2
1 - M.A. Student of Demography, Electronic Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 - Associate Professor of Sociology, West Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Keywords: Virtual Space, Frustration, Loneliness, Social Isolation,
Abstract :
The development and improvement of electronic communication instruments and means in postmodern societies with fast intention has caused further multiplication in meanings and content of the communication itself. On the other hand the involvement of cyber space in our privacy has caused massive personality changes in people particularly the youth, In a way that individuals are separated from real world and have become floated and absorbed in cyber world. The main aim of this essay is investigating the effect of cyber space on individualism and isolation among university students. The method is survey and the method for gathering information is questionnaire. Questionnaire reliability has been confirmed by Cronbach’s Alpha Method with accuracy of 86% and the statistical population is all the students in Science and Research Branch of Islamic Azad University. The statistical sample is 380 individuals according to Cochran’s formula who are chosen by a simple random sampling technique. Research findings show that majority of respondents equal to 87% has responded positive to the usage of cyber space. It is interesting to know that only 10.5 % of respondents responded negative to the usage of cyber space. Hence almost all of respondents have answered positive to the usage of cyber space. Majority of respondents equal to 79.25% has confirmed the usage of “Telegram Software” whereas 45.5% has confirmed the usage of “Telegram “and “whatsapp” simultaneously. According to the findings, the usage of cyber space has been measured: 56% Average, 30% High and 14% Low. Considering the statistical results, the relation between the independent variable (usage of cyber space, isolation and loneliness, feeling frustrated, age, education level, type of entertainment) and the dependent variables (social isolation and loneliness) has been strongly confirmed. Only relation of age with social isolation is reverse and relation of income level and social isolation could not be confirmed.