Sociological analysis of the use of virtual social networks among students (Case study: Students of Tehran University)

The emergence of cyberspace and the expansion of the use of social networks among young people and students have influenced their lifestyle and spending time. Accordingly, this paper aims at evaluating the amount of use, pattern of consumption and factors affecting the use of virtual social networks among students. Combined research approach, Quantitative and qualitative research method were used, and data gathering tools include questionnaires and interviews. The statistical population is the students of Tehran University, and the sample size is 350 people. The sampling method is systematic categorical and probabilistic. Qualitative findings about the motivation to use social networks of students showed that the motivations include: entertainment and spending the time, coping with solitude, greeting friends and acquaintances, following news, and downloading articles and books which are respectively the most important motivations of students to use virtual social networks. Over 80% of students use Telegram and Instagram. This situation, according to the theoretical framework of the research, is due to their high socialization and high level of security of these networks to protect users' information. The results of regression analysis and analysis of variables showed that among the variables introduced in the regression equations, 5 variables (age, income, cultural capital, employment status and sociability), directly affect and two other variables (academic grade and social capital) indirectly affect the use of virtual social networks. In general, the independent variables of this study explained 31% of the variation of the function, i.e., the amount of use of virtual social networks.