A comparative study of the impact of virtual social networks and family On the political socialization of students

Various factors play a role in the process of political socialization. Today, the vertical and horizontal expansion of virtual social networks and the Internet, has led to this new communication technology as a new factor in parallel with other factors in the socialization of societies (issue). The aim of this study was to discover the effectiveness of virtual social networks in socialization compared to the traditional family network (Objective). The main question is to what extent is the political socialization of students in the Islamic Republic of Iran influenced by social networks compared to the traditional family network? And knowledge, tendency and behavior. The research method is survey. Data were collected through a researcher-made questionnaire (research method). The summary finding of this study is that virtual social networks are effective in all the main components of political socialization (knowing the political system, recognizing political figures, political values, political trust and political participation) and surpass the traditional family network. But has not yet gained maximum influence on all of these components (research findings). The findings of this study will be appropriate for decision-making bodies in the fields of cyberspace, as well as institutions and institutions that are concerned with the transmission and preservation of the values ​​of the Islamic Revolution.Keywords: Political socialization - Virtual social networks - Traditional family network - Students