Everyday Life in Telegram: Using Instant Messaging Applications in Iran

This paper tries to provide a better understanding of Iranians’ everyday life in the telegram. Recently, telegram has become the most popular Instant Messaging Application (IMA). Regarding the telegram’s popularity, there is a need to conduct thorough research into different aspects of using it. In order to carry out this study, different theories about everyday life were evaluated, especially Schutz’s ideas. A combination of participant observation and qualitative interviews was employed as a methodology. Therefore, we participated constantly in a group and interviewed 8 telegram heavy users. The findings showed that the meaning of time in telegram has changed. Furthermore, a part of individuals’ worlds has changed in the actual world by the telegram. Additionally, the shaping of  “Thou-orientations” and “We-relations” are easier in the telegram. Most importantly, telegram disturbs the order of zones of relevance, changing and expanding them. Hence, some situations with low relevance are converted to the ones with high relevance. This phenomenon caused what Bayat called the quiet encroachment of the ordinary people. This is kind of resistance but not the only one. It is important to note that users employ this app as a field to create their techniques.