Examining Iranian Society Attitude Towards Social Media Using " Q" Methodology

There are different mentalities in Iran regarding social media, their influence over culture and human communications as well as functions and dysfunctions. Using “Q” methodology, the present research aims to identify the current mentalities and attitudes towards this issue. Findings indicate that there are three dominant mentalities regarding social media in Iranian society. The first attitude towards social media is positive and defensive. The second mentality represents those bearing a negative view towards such media. These individuals believe that foreign-based social media have a mission to damage Iranian-Islamic ‘pure’ culture. The third attitude takes a moderate look at social media, evaluating them with cultural and traditional measures.