Sociological Cultural Studies

Sociological Cultural Studies

Generation, media and identity: investigating the impact of social networks on adherence to national and ethnic identity

Document Type : .

Authors
1 Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Social Studies Research Institute, Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies, Tehran, Iran.
2 Master of Social Science Research, Social Studies Research Center, Institute of Humanities and Cultural Studies, Tehran, Iran.
3 PhD student in sociology, Faculty of Humanities, Mazandaran University, Babolsar, Iran
10.30465/scs.2025.50285.2932
Abstract
The influence of media on individual and social identities in the contemporary world necessitates thorough examination and investigation. Consequently, this present study endeavors to explore disparities in the attachment to ethnic and national identities across generational lines, in conjunction with the ramifications of social networking on this phenomenon. Data were gathered through a survey targeting individuals aged 15 and above, residing in Mahabad, with a sample size of 383 participants. The findings underscore noteworthy variations in both the utilization of social media and the degree of affiliation with ethnic and national identities among distinct generations. Individuals who actively engage with social networks exhibit a stronger affinity for their ethnic identity while displaying comparatively less allegiance to their national identity. Furthermore, there exists a noticeable elevation in ethnic identity within the younger generation. These outcomes corroborate the direct influence of cultural and technological transformations within societies on the configuration and emergence of identity. In light of the profound cultural and technological shifts in contemporary societies, it is imperative to conceive educational initiatives aimed at fortifying the conviction among the youth that national and ethnic identities are mutually reinforcing rather than mutually exclusive.
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 29 September 2025