The Role of Social Media Platforms and Regional Telegram Channels in the Empowerment of Local Communities: A Case Study of: theTwitKhalkhali Telegram Channel

This article examines the role of social networks and regional Telegram channels in empowering local communities, focusing on the 'Tweet Khalkhal' Telegram channel. The main objective of this study is to analyze the impact of these platforms on raising local awareness, strengthening social participation, and mobilizing resources in local communities. Using quantitative and qualitative methods, data from ۶۶۱ users of the 'Tweet Khalkhal' channel were collected and analyzed. The results show that this channel plays a significant role in raising local awareness, strengthening social interactions, and increasing citizens' participation in collective activities. However, there are challenges such as the spread of misinformation, privacy concerns, and the need to increase digital literacy. Statistical analyzes show that the use of the channel has a positive and significant relationship with increasing users' social participation (r = ۰.۶۷). Also, qualitative analyzes using NVivo and MAXQDA software show that users consider this channel as a digital public space for discussion and exchange of views on local issues. These findings are consistent with the theories of media sociology, especially Castells' (۲۰۰۹) theories on 'network society' and Habermas' (۱۹۸۹) theories on 'digital public space.' Finally, the article suggests that in order to fully realize the potential of these platforms, policies to increase access to digital technologies and improve media literacy are necessary.

کلیدواژه ها:

Social Networks ، Local Community Empowerment ، Regional Telegram Channels ، Social Participation ، Digital Public Sphere