Analyzing the role of smartphones in the formation of life networked of users: presenting a grounded theory

The aim of this research was to investigate the role of smartphones as a technological factor in the construction of the Iranian users' life networked. The dominant methodology was qualitative and the approach was grounded theory with a systematic approach by Strauss and Corbin. The target population consisted of active media professionals and academic centers who were selected for semi-structured in-depth interviews using theoretical and purposeful sampling, and the sampling process continued until data saturation was achieved. The data obtained were analyzed through open, axial, and selective coding, and the results were presented in the form of 19 main themes and 1 core theme along with a storyline, paradigm model, and theoretical framework sketch. The results indicated that "instrumental life networked" is constructed following a set of conditions such as access to and production of useful content, dominance of smart tools, necessity of users' smartness, maximum audience engagement, tool-oriented information/communication, along with a set of contextual and intervention conditions. This constructed network carries strategies such as media multitasking, communication multiplicity, smart political/social action, and social media loyalty, leading to consequences such as women's convergence in the media, diversity of voices and contents in the media, rational rethinking in the market, smart culture and society.