The Connection of Virtual Social Networks with the Desire to Participate in Environmental Protection (Case study of Tehran Citizens over 15 Years Old)

The purpose of this study is to study the relationship between virtual social networks and the desire to participate in environmental protection among Tehran citizens. Environmental participation has been implemented as a dependent variable based on environmental behavior and cooperation. The theoretical framework based on Wellman's network theory and Gerbner implantation theory is a research method used quantitatively and the research tool is a researcher-made questionnaire. The sampling method is a multi-stage cluster and the sample size was obtained after deleting the outdated data of 384 people. The research results indicate that between the desire to participate in environmental protection and the use of social networks There is a positive and significant relationship between virtual (r = 0.492), trust in virtual social networks (r = 0.339), activity in virtual social networks (r = 0.348) and environmental knowledge (r = 0.348). In fact, participation in environmental activities is a function of the trust and conscious performance of users in cyberspace with an environmental focus, and with the results of analysis of variance with Sig = 0.000 and F = 22.91, users who use cyberspace to obtain new information. They are more willing to participate in environmental protection, feel more responsible for their environment, and cooperate more in environmental activities.