Designing an Islamic-Iranian Cultural Lifestyle Model Based on Virtual Space

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to design an Islamic-Iranian cultural lifestyle model based on virtual space in Iranian social media. Methodology: This study is an applied research with a mixed-methods (qualitative-quantitative) approach. The qualitative method is based on the phenomenological theory, while the quantitative method is based on structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population in the qualitative phase included experts in the field of Islamic-Iranian lifestyle and virtual space, who had published at least three articles in this field in the past ten years. The snowball sampling method was used, and interviews continued until saturation and sufficiency were achieved, resulting in a sample size of 12 participants. In the quantitative phase, the statistical population included residents of Isfahan city. Using Cochran's formula for infinite populations, a sample size of 384 individuals was determined, and the questionnaire was distributed using a convenience sampling method. Findings: Initially, in order to identify the factors, interviews were conducted to examine the extracted categories and concepts. The results from this stage yielded 50 meaningful statements, leading to 29 main categories and 144 concepts. In the next stage, the Delphi technique was used to screen these factors in three stages, resulting in consensus on 29 categories and 108 concepts. Finally, structural equation modeling and partial least squares (PLS) were used for modeling with the Smart PLS software. The results indicated that the Islamic-Iranian cultural lifestyle model based on virtual space in Iranian social media is influenced by 11 key components, which ultimately lead to 4 positive and 6 negative consequences. Based on the derived outcomes, 8 strategic solutions were proposed. Conclusion: The results suggest that focusing on strengthening people's faith and beliefs can reduce the negative consequences of virtual space on the Islamic-Iranian cultural lifestyle.