Document Type : Original Article
Authors
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Professor, Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Grand Ayatollah Boroujerdi University. Boroujerd
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2. Mohamad torabi godarzi, Graduate, Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Ayatollah of Borujerdi University, Borujerd, Iran
10.22034/rcc.2026.2080363.1275
Abstract
The role of media and virtual space in shaping youth attitudes toward various subjects, including family, marriage, and childbearing, is of great importance. These systems influence social interactions and individual perspectives, ultimately shaping behavioral and value-based patterns. Accordingly, this study aims to examine the impact of media and virtual space on youth attitudes toward marriage and childbearing. The research adopts a correlational study design, with the statistical population comprising all unmarried men and women aged 25–39 in Boroujerd, who are at the stage of considering marriage and subsequent childbearing. The study was conducted during the first half of 2024, encompassing 16,352 individuals. A simple random sampling method was used, and the sample size was determined to be 384 based on Morgan's table. Data collection was conducted using the Virtual Space and Media Scale (Kimberly Young, 1990), the Attitude Toward Marriage Questionnaire (Bartin & Wezen, 1998), and the Attitude Toward Childbearing Questionnaire (Miller, 2001). The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) approaches, employing partial least squares (PLS) and model fit tests. The analyses were performed using SPSS and SmartPLS software. The findings revealed that media and virtual space have a significant and direct effect on youth disinterest in marriage. Similarly, media and virtual space showed a significant and direct effect on youth disinterest in childbearing. The results indicate that increased exposure to media and virtual space correlates with a decrease in young people's willingness to marry and have children. Based on these findings, it is recommended that relevant authorities encourage media outlets and virtual platforms produce and disseminate positive and educational content regarding marriage, family, and childbearing to mitigate the adverse effects observed.
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