Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Al-Zahra University
2 Associate Professor. Department of Counseling. Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology. Al-Zahra University
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Counseling, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Al-Zahra University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Purpose: This research aimed to analyze adolescents` motivational factors for using virtual social media. Method: This research was conducted using the qualitative approach of phenomenology type. For this purpose, 17 female adolescents aged 14 to 16 who were dysfunctional in the use of social media were selected using a purposeful sampling method based on criteria. The research was conducted through semi-structured interviews. Finally, the data were coded and categorized and the results were expressed using the method of narrative reporting. Findings: The analysis of experiences led to the identification of 7 main themes, including the symbiotic relationship with peers, omnipresence, emotion regulation, idealization versus normalization, social comparison, function, and response to existential-humanistic issues. each of them included 5, 7, 8, 4, 5, 15, and 3 sub-themes respectively. Conclusion: The results show that adolescents' problematic use of social networks is not motivated by newness or fashion, but purposefully and motivated by the fulfillment of basic needs (autonomy, competence, and communication). Therefore, in addition to recognizing the needs and motivations of adolescents, the authorities must use the technological opportunities of social networks to respond to their neglected needs in the real world. Also, counselors can take preventive measures or design targeted technological content for them by considering the motivations of adolescents.
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