Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Social Communication Sciences, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
2
prof in Department of Social Communication Sciences, Faculty of Culture and Communication International Soore University, Tehran, Iran
3
Assistant of prof. in Social Communication Sciences, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
4
Assistant of prof. in Sociology, Khalkhal Branch, Islamic Azad University, Khalkhal, Iran
Abstract
The Internet of People (IoP) is an emerging concept that, by emphasizing human interaction, the use of personal data, and the development of social participation in the digital context, has paved the way for fundamental changes in the way of individual and social communication. Given the increasing role of social networks and mobile messaging, the present study seeks to examine and present the desired model of these platforms for the development of the Internet of People in Iran. In this study, an attempt has been made to specifically explain the link between social networks and mobile messaging with the development of IoP by focusing on the gap in the theoretical literature. The present study is qualitative and based on content analysis. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 18 academic and executive experts in the field of cyberspace and analyzed using MAXQDA 2020 software. The analysis of the interviews led to the identification of 5 main dimensions, 40 components, and 131 basic codes that represent a set of contextual conditions, actions and reactions, positive functions, and dysfunctions of social networks in relation to the development of the Internet of People. The findings show that the lack of a comprehensive indigenous framework in this area has prevented social networks from being properly placed on the path of developing social participation, collective wisdom, and civic interactions. By presenting a local and systematic model, this research has accurately explained the dimensions of the development of the Internet of People in relation to social networks and mobile messengers. The distinctive feature of this research is the systematic identification of themes related to the development of IoP in the Iranian context, and the provision of practical solutions for the exploitation of cyberspace by policymakers and managers in line with digital governance, the development of public communications, and the strengthening of the country's information ecosystem.
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