Investigating the frequency and type of Virtual space use among high school students: Case study of Hamedan province

This study aimed to determine the frequency and type of Virtual space use among high school students.The study method was of a descriptive-survey type, and in terms of the purpose, it was a research-applied study. The statistical population included all high school students of Hamadan province (2020-2021). Using a multi-stage cluster sampling method, 500 of them were selected as sample member. The study instrument was a researcher-made instrument whose validity and reliability was assessed based on professors' views and the Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.92). Using Spss 24, the descreptive (frequency, percentage, and mean) and the inferential (independent t-test and Chi-square) statistics were employed for data analysis. Finding show that 84%5 of the students spend between 1-5 hours, %13 less than an hour, and 2%5 more than 5 hours per day, on using the internet.The result indicated the frequency of using the internet in Cyberspace is less than the average (3). Furthermore, the most common types of cyberspace use were "performing assignments," "gathering information about public issues," "communicating with classmates," and "listening to music," respectively. While the girls used Telegram, WhatsApp, and Shad more than the boys, the boys used Facebook and Instagram more than the girls (p<0.05). Regarding the type of cyberspace use, the Chi-square results indicated the girls use Cyberspace more than boys to do their assignments. it can be concluded that the frequency of cyberspace use among students is not too much, and they often use Cyberspace for doing their assignments and establishing social relationships with their friends.