The Role of Social Influence Processes in the Widespread Use of Social Networks

The purpose of the present study was to determine the role of social influence processes in the widespread use of social networks with the mediating role of behavioral intention. The research method was descriptive-survey with causal approach. The study population consisted of all students of Islamic Azad University of Ahvaz. 379 students were selected randomly. The research tool was the Infinedo (2016) questionnaire which included dimensions of social media use, enjoyment, social influence, and behavioral intention. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 23 and Emos. The results showed that the variables of use and enjoyment and social influence had a significant effect on the behavioral intention of using social networks and behavioral intention had a significant effect on the relationship between use and enjoyment and social influence on students' pervasive use of social networks. Use and enjoyment theory dimensions including utility value, self-value, entertainment value, personal relationships and social promotion, as well as social influence processes including adaptation and identification have a significant effect on students' behavioral intention to use social networks, but the effect of internalizing variable Behavioral intention was not endorsed by social influence processes.