Presenting a Model of Ethnic-Cultural Empathy in Virtual Social Networks using National Cohesion (A Qualitative Study Based on Data Theory)

The purpose of this study was to present a model of ethnic-cultural empathy in virtual social networks with a national cohesion approach. To achieve this goal, qualitative methodology based on data theory (including open, axial and selective coding steps) using the systematic approach of Strauss and Corbin was applied. In this regard, in-depth and semi-structured interviews were conducted with theoretical sampling and continuing the snowball technique with experts on the subject. The number of samples continued until the responses reached saturation (30 owners). To evaluate the reliability of data and interpretations, the criteria of interpretive research including reliability, transferability, reliability, verifiability (Lincolnogoba, 1998) and criteria of data theory including conformity, comprehensibility, generality and controllability (Strauss and Corbin) were used. The main phenomenon of the research was called “ethnic-cultural empathy in virtual social networks with a national cohesion approach”. Causal conditions for creating ethnic-cultural empathy in virtual social networks include social health, education and self-awareness, social initiative, ethnic justice, national unity, pluralism, coexistence and ethnicity. Substrate factors were ethnic activism, ethnic attitudes, ethnic identity and ethnic values. Intervening factors were cultural education, symbolism, management of ethnic differences and intercultural interventions. Strategies were the revival of ethnic rights, justice and development, content production, ethnic representation, branding, the use of religious teachings and education. Positive consequences were improving national security and economic development and negative consequences were reducing national cohesion, threat to national security and national divergence. They were concluded as the consequences of ethnic-cultural empathy in virtual social networks with the national cohesion approach in the paradigm model of the foundation data theory.