Study of Iranian young users’ attitudes towards virtual social networks

Regarding the increasing proliferation of virtual social networks many supporting and opposing views and ideas are presented regarding the nature of these networks, their applications and functions and the reason why Iranian users become members of these networks. Also, each view imagines functions and capabilities for these environments and their users. Accordingly, the objective of the present study is to study the most important media needs of Iranian young users in using virtual social networks by utilizing Uses and Gratifications Theory (UGT). Therefore, 460 participants were selected among the users that are members of social networks in Tabriz employing availability and voluntary sampling method. The findings of the research indicate that there is a significant correlation between emotional (entertaining and recreation), cognitive (obtaining news and information), and social needs and tendency to use virtual social networks. In addition, there is a difference in users’ media needs which are: emotional, cognitive, social and political needs.