The role of mobile-based virtual networks in reproducing the five dimensions of religious culture among Iranian youth

The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of mobile networks based on mobile phones in reproducing the dimensions of religious culture among the young people in Iran. In other words, the main issue of the article is the role of social networks on cultural changes and orientations and the reproduction of the dimensions of religious culture among Iranian youth. To do this, Based on Gerbner's views, media social theories were selected as a theoretical framework. The type of research is applied in terms of purpose and survey in terms of implementation. The population of the study was 18-29 year old youths in Tehran, Ardabil, Gorgan, Shiraz and Kermanshah in 2019. The sampling method was cluster sampling and the sample number was 384. To analyze the data, using Amos software, Path analysis and factor analysis were used. The results showed that the use of mobile-based virtual networks in religious insight, duration of membership in mobile-based networks in religious orientation, participation and activation of mobile-based virtual networks in religious value, religious behavior and religious identity are significantly affected among Iranian youth. Therefore, mobile-based virtual networks play an important role in reproducing religious culture among Iranian youths. In other words, taken from Planting theories and social theories it can be claimed that the more the amount of use and duration of membership in social networks, the more the probability of effect on the user.