Qualitative Study of Challenges Posed by Cell Phone Social Networks in User's Lives

This research is aimed at conducting qualitative study of challenges posed by cellphone social networks on the lives of their users. The study has used qualitative research method and semistructured interview. For this purpose, 20 professional users at Islamic Azad University of Esfahan (Khorasgan) were selected based on purposeful theoretical saturation sampling and interviewed in person. The data were analyzed by applying the 7-step Colaizzi method. The research findings have shown that the main three concepts of ‘individual privacy rights intrusion’, ‘decline in social relations confidence’ and ‘using false identity’ have been the most destructive impacts of these networks on the users’ lives. Being aware of these threats and challenges, while decreasing social harms, provides the possibility of optimal use of new technologies and helps pave the way for cultural planning and policy making and those in charge to make a balance for the cultural development of the country with greater attention.