A Sociological Explanation of the Impact of Virtual Space on Social Apathy

The expansion of virtual social networks has significantly influenced various dimensions of human life. A critical area that warrants investigation is the impact of virtual social networks on human social interactions. This study aims to provide a sociological analysis of how virtual networks contribute to social apathy. Employing a quantitative survey methodology, the research consists of a sample of 375 students selected from a total of 5,385 students at Yasouj University. Data were gathered by an online survey due to the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the results, the average apathy among students was 103.95, which is below the average threshold of 111. Furthermore, within the broader statistical population, students’ sensitivity to societal conditions was above average. Furthermore, although students’ engagement in  virtual social networks is higher than average, their overall active participation in these platforms remains at a moderate level. While there is generally a positive correlation between the duration of interaction with virtual social network and the extent of social apathy, the highest levels of apathy are associated with the use of virtual social networks for entertainment purposes. Comparative analyses suggest that men and employed people exhibit lower levels of social apathy than do women and unemployed students. Additionally, there is a remarkable disparity in social apathy levels between undergraduate and graduate students and between those studying in social science and those pursuing other academic disciplines. The regression analysis of the research variables revealed that about 17.5% of variance in social apathy can be attributed to the use of virtual social networks. Overall, the results of this study revealed that interaction with virtual social networks and their usage can alter individuals' cognitive and emotional dimensions; however, it does not induce significant behavioral changes. Furthermore, there exists a potential risk that this engagement may create a rift between individuals' real and virtual lives in reality.