Presenting a Model for Utilizing the Capacity of Social Media in Managing the Environmental Crisis of Drought in Sistan and Baluchistan Province

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D. Student in Pure Social Communication Sciences, Faculty of Communication Sciences and Media Studies, Islamic Azad University, Tehran Central Branch, Iran

2 Professor of Social Communication Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Communication and Media Studies, Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran

3 Professor, Faculty of Communication Sciences and Media Studies, Islamic Azad University, Tehran Central Branch, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

The main goal of this research is to provide a model for utilizing the capacity of social media in managing the environmental crisis of drought in Sistan and Baluchistan. The research method is applied in terms of purpose and follows a qualitative approach based on in-depth interviews. The statistical population consists of 14 experts in the fields of environment and media in the province of Sistan and Baluchistan, selected using the convenience sampling method until theoretical saturation was reached. To analyze the exploratory interviews and qualitative data, the thematic analysis method was used. Test-retest reliability and inter-coder agreement methods were employed to ensure the reliability of the conducted interviews. Moreover, validity was considered at each stage, including topic selection, design, interviews, transcription, analysis, confirmation, and reporting, with the results verified by experts to ensure their credibility and reliability. The findings from the expert interviews, including 150 sub-codes categorized into 10 main themes, revealed that environmental culture and beliefs, socio-political influences, and economic and social factors shape environmental perceptions and concerns under the influence of social media and past crisis experiences. These perceptions and concerns contribute to the formation of attitudes influenced by norms and habits. Ultimately, internal factors (actions and behaviors) and external factors (incentives and deterrents) drive environmental actions.

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