Introduction and Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of using domestic and foreign social networks on Iranian-Islamic identity with the mediating role of ethnic beliefs among first secondary school students in Kazerun city.
Research Methodology: This research is descriptive-correlational in terms of purpose and nature, and falls under the category of descriptive-survey studies in terms of data collection method. The statistical population included all first secondary school students in Kazerun city, totaling 6,790 individuals. Using Cochran's formula, a sample size of 381 was determined, and sampling was conducted using cluster random sampling. Data collection tools included library resources and standardized questionnaires: the Iranian-Islamic Identity Questionnaire by Rashedi et al. (1400), the Ethnic Identity Questionnaire by Nariman Mohammadi (1391), and a Social Networks Questionnaire designed by the researcher. The content validity of the tools was ensured by CVR and CVI indices and expert confirmation, and their reliability was estimated using Cronbach's Alpha as 91%, 96%, and 98%, respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 and AMOS version 23 software.
Findings: The research results showed that all primary and secondary hypotheses were confirmed, and there is a significant relationship between the independent variables and their components with the dependent variable. The findings indicate that the use of domestic and foreign social networks influences students' Iranian and Islamic identity, and that ethnic beliefs play a mediating and directional role in the formation of this identity.
Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that social networks, alongside their positive functions, can pose a threat to the preservation of Iranian-Islamic identity. However, the reinforcement of ethnic beliefs and local cultural values can act as a deterrent against the cultural harms of cyberspace. T