Explaining Impact of Telegram Messenger on Political Participation Approach (Case Study: Isfahan University)

Citizen participation in politics is one of the main factors of democracy in a society, which can be influenced by several factors. Development in communication and information technology, such as Web 2.0 technologies, is among these factors which provides opportunities for people’s political participation. Recently, the utilization and ease of access via smart phones to these technologies, in particular to the social media such as Telegram Messenger, have enhanced public conversation among citizens especially the young people. In this study, we investigate the impact on political participation of the Telegram Messenger usage via smart phones. This research has applied survey methodology using a questionnaire, with the sample population of 375 from among the Isfahan University students. In particular, we seek to understand if there is a significant correlation between the usage of the Telegram Messenger via smartphones and the extent of political participation. The Pierson’s correlation and regression analysis have been used to test the hypotheses. The research findings indicate that there is a significant and positive correlation between the time and level of engagement in the social media, with the political participation, effectiveness and awareness. In other words, a higher usage of the Telegram Messenger via smartphones results in a higher political participation as well as political effectiveness and awareness in domestic and foreign issues