The Role of Facebook Social Network in Challenges of National Identity in the Islamic Republic of Iran (The First 6 Months of 1393)

The purpose of this research is to study the role of Facebook in challenges facing the national identity of the Islamic Republic of Iran (in the first 6 months of 1393). The research question is that; what are the impacts of Facebook social networks in challenges to Iranian national identity? Moreover, It is hypothesized that the Facebook social network affects the challenges of Iranian national identity in three different aspects, including; religious (beliefs, values, and beliefs), culture (customs, language) and political (historical, social and geographical).In order to gain the purpose and approve the hypothesis, the theories of the effects of media on identity and behavioral patterns were employed. The research is descriptive- Analytical one and data collection instrument is library - documents. To add to the value of the study some interviews were conducted with experts in the field of Facebook social network, and personal observations (experiences) are considered as the strength of this study. In the field study in the period of the first 6-month of 1393, the selective data sampling method was used. The results of the interviews and field studies showed that Facebook social network is correlated with the political, religious and cultural aspects of Iranian national identity. The findings of the study are in line with the ideas of theorists who believe that the modern information and communication technologies pave the way for strengthening international identities and weakening national identities. This led to an identity crisis and highlights the virtually –made identities in this space, and, in a way, affects various aspects of national identity.