The effect of cyberspace on the presence of public spaces in the city

Cities, as the main areas of human life, consist of components and elements such as open and public spaces. Today, advances in digital technology in various fields, including public spaces, have had a tremendous impact.

The purpose of this study is to address the impact and effects that cyberspace has on public spaces and their presence.

Based on its objectives, the research is fundamental and is in the category of descriptive and explanatory-analytical studies. After reviewing the basics related to smart city and public spaces by referring to valid documents and texts, the impact of cyberspace on urban public spaces has been considered and according to the criteria of presence in space, 100 questionnaires of Tehran citizens have been completed and analyzed.

Findings show that most people use cyberspace as a stimulus and tool to be in public and not as a competitor to not be in public. However, this trajectory in Iran is close to the average because some people (older or with special characteristics) still use cyberspace and the mentioned technologies in a more limited way.

The results show that cyberspace serves citizens as a stimulus to increase their presence in public spaces. Therefore, it is necessary for urban planners to try to improve services and use cyberspace and technology as a tool to facilitate the presence in cyberspace.