Interdisciplinary Studies in Media and Culture

Abstract Abstract This study aims to examine the role of domestic media in legitimizing the efficiency of the Islamic Republic of Iran, with a specific focus on foreign policy power, through the lens of the Hypodermic Needle Theory. The central question is how state-affiliated media represent elements of power in foreign policy to contribute to the perception of political efficiency and legitimacy. The hypothesis suggests that media, by reinforcing discourses of resistance and national strength, help shape public opinion to support the regime’s performance. This research adopts a qualitative content analysis method with an inductive approach. The statistical population consists of all domestic media reports related to Iranian foreign policy, with a purposive sample of 30 selected news items from official agencies such as ISNA, Fars, Mehr, Tasnim, Tabnak, and Mashregh News. Findings reveal that media emphasize themes such as national security, regional influence, and dignity-oriented diplomacy to construct a narrative of governmental efficiency in foreign policy. The study concludes that these media narratives function as mechanisms of performance-based legitimacy, consistent with the assumptions of the Hypodermic Needle Theory. Keywords: Legitimacy, efficiency, authority, domestic media, foreign policy, content analysis, hypodermic needle theory   Introduction In modern political systems, legitimacy and efficiency are essential foundations of regime survival. In ideologically based states like the Islamic Republic of Iran, the persistence of power relies not only on religious or legal foundations but increasingly on performance legitimacy. Foreign policy represents one of the most visible arenas for showcasing such efficiency. As ideological legitimacy may be challenged by economic or generational crises, the regime seeks to reinforce its image through narratives of strength, independence, and diplomatic success. Media play a central role in crafting these narratives. The Hypodermic Needle Theory (or Magic Bullet Theory) assumes that media messages can directly and powerfully shape public attitudes and behaviors without significant resistance. This theoretical framework is particularly relevant in state-run media environments, where centralized narratives dominate. The current study investigates how domestic Iranian media use foreign policy achievements to reinforce the political system’s image as effective and legitimate.   Methods and Materials This study employs a qualitative content analysis approach with an inductive framework. The statistical population consists of all domestic news content related to Iranian foreign policy published in national media outlets. The sample includes 30 purposively selected news articles from a range of news agencies, including ISNA, Fars, Mehr, Tasnim, Tabnak, and others. The selection criteria were based on relevance to key themes of power, foreign policy, and legitimacy. The analysis process involved coding main and secondary themes and identifying how these themes contribute to the narrative of efficiency and legitimacy. The data were processed through thematic analysis, focusing on conceptual clusters such as national security, regional influence, diplomacy, and public support. Reliability was ensured through independent coding and reviewer validation.   Results and Discussion The findings of the content analysis reveal that domestic media systematically highlight three dominant thematic clusters: security-based power, regional influence and diplomacy, and people-centered legitimacy. These themes are presented repeatedly and uniformly across media outlets, often using language that evokes strength, dignity, and moral superiority. For example, news items frequently describe Iran as a regional power that resists external domination, supports oppressed nations, and maintains an independent foreign policy. Messages such as 'Iran has become a key regional player,' 'The world has acknowledged Iran’s power,' and 'Diplomacy based on dignity is the foundation of national authority' were common across the sample. These representations align with the core premises of the Hypodermic Needle Theory, wherein repeated and authoritative messaging aims to shape public perceptions directly. The media also reinforce the image of a state whose power is rooted in popular support and moral clarity. Importantly, the study reveals limited coverage of criticism, policy failure, or international isolation. This one-sided portrayal underlines the instrumental role of media in shaping perceptions rather than reflecting pluralistic debate.   Conclusion This study highlights how domestic Iranian media function as a core tool in reinforcing the legitimacy of the Islamic Republic by projecting the efficiency of its foreign policy. Grounded in the Hypodermic Needle Theory, these media messages aim to influence public opinion directly by repeatedly emphasizing the state’s security, independence, regional strength, and people-oriented governance. In environments where ideological legitimacy may be contested due to internal challenges, performance legitimacy—particularly through foreign policy achievements—becomes critical. The findings indicate that media narratives strategically fill this gap, ensuring that the government’s diplomatic performance is interpreted as a symbol of its overall functionality and justification for continued authority. In doing so, media act not only as transmitters of information but as architects of political perception and tools of legitimacy construction.

Abstract Abstract This study investigates the state of transparency and oversight in municipal transactions in Iran and seeks to identify the media-related requirements necessary to enhance this process. The central research question explores the current condition of transparency and monitoring in municipal transactions in Iran and examines how media can contribute to its improvement. The hypothesis posits that, despite the existence of legal frameworks, deficiencies in implementation and oversight mechanisms have led to reduced transparency in municipal dealings. It further asserts that media can play a significant role in improving this situation by acting as an external monitoring force. The research adopts a qualitative methodology, utilizing documentary studies, content analysis of relevant laws and regulations, examination of media reports, and semi-structured interviews with experts in urban affairs. Findings indicate that although legal provisions related to financial transparency and municipal transactions exist, challenges such as poor enforcement, ineffective oversight mechanisms, and limitations in information technology infrastructure hinder the realization of adequate transparency. Moreover, the media, through investigative reporting and timely dissemination of information, can play a pivotal role in enhancing transparency and increasing the accountability of municipal authorities. Keywords: Media oversight, institutional transparency, municipal transactions, good governance, Iran Introduction Institutional transparency has become a defining component of good governance in both national and local government systems. In the urban context, municipalities handle a wide range of financial and contractual transactions that directly affect citizens' daily lives and the equitable distribution of public resources. However, in the absence of robust monitoring systems, municipal transactions can become vulnerable to corruption, inefficiency, and opacity. Scholars and policymakers increasingly recognize the media—particularly independent journalism—as a critical actor in promoting transparency, exposing misconduct, and demanding accountability from public officials. In the case of Iran, despite the presence of legislative instruments such as the Municipal Transaction Regulation and access-to-information laws, their practical impact has been limited. This limitation stems from structural weaknesses, technological underdevelopment, bureaucratic inertia, and insufficient coordination among supervisory institutions. In this context, the media can serve as a complementary mechanism for external oversight, provided that legal protections and operational independence are ensured.This study aims to analyze how media engagement in municipal transparency can bridge accountability gaps, enhance citizen awareness, and ultimately contribute to the realization of good urban governance in Iran. Materials & Methods This research adopts a qualitative-descriptive approach and draws on content analysis of official municipal frameworks, case-based observations, and comparative insights from international governance literature. The study analyzes the legal structure of municipal transactions in Iran, such as the financial by-laws of Tehran Municipality, as well as secondary laws like the Law on Access to Public Information and the Audit Court regulations.To explore the practical dimensions, several illustrative cases were examined, including reports on violations in municipal tenders, media exposures of financial mismanagement, and performance audits. Additionally, international case studies from countries like Canada, Sweden, and Australia were referenced to identify best practices in media-enabled transparency and whistleblower protection.Semi-structured expert interviews with municipal legal advisors, journalists, and former city council members were also used to enrich the contextual understanding. These qualitative insights helped map the real-world constraints faced by media actors in pursuing transparency in Iranian municipal settings. Discussion & Result The study reveals a significant gap between the legal ideals of transparency and their institutional realization in Iranian municipalities. Although frameworks for financial disclosure and audit exist, the bureaucratic culture often impedes their application. The lack of real-time digital access to transaction data, weak internal audit mechanisms, and restricted flow of information to the public and press were found to be major barriers. The media, when active and independent, plays a key role in exposing hidden transactions, reporting irregularities in urban budgeting, and creating pressure for institutional correction. Case analyses demonstrated that high-impact reports by investigative journalists led to temporary suspensions of suspect contracts and even parliamentary inquiries. However, systemic constraints—including fear of legal retaliation, censorship, and limited access to raw data—frequently diminish the effectiveness of media oversight. International experiences provide actionable models: Canada’s operational audit reports are made public and discussed in the media, while Sweden’s public data portals empower journalists and citizens alike. The study identifies three main pillars for enhancing municipal transparency in Iran: -Legal reform to ensure freedom of information and protection for whistleblowers and journalists. -Technological infrastructure to enable public access to municipal transaction databases. -Civic empowerment through media literacy and partnerships between media, NGOs, and oversight agencies. These pillars collectively promote a culture of transparency that is not solely reliant on state control but rooted in participatory accountability. Conclusion The findings underscore the central role of media in promoting institutional transparency, particularly in decentralized governance settings like municipalities. In Iran, the challenges of opaque procurement, fragmented oversight, and bureaucratic resistance to disclosure have created fertile ground for misuse of public resources. Strengthening the role of media—through legal protections, technological access, and public trust—can mitigate these risks.This study concludes that without the active participation of media and civil society, institutional reforms aimed at improving transparency in municipal transactions will remain incomplete. As demonstrated in both domestic and international contexts, the path toward good urban governance must be paved with structural safeguards, digital openness, and journalistic freedom.To ensure meaningful accountability, Iranian authorities should: -Institutionalize digital platforms for real-time transaction disclosure; -Support training programs for journalists covering urban governance; -Foster cooperation between audit bodies and media outlets. Such measures would not only deter corrupt practices but also enhance the responsiveness, legitimacy, and trustworthiness of local governments. Ultimately, transparency is not just a technical requirement but a democratic imperative—and the media, when free and capable, remains one of its strongest guarantors.

Abstract Abstract Nowadays, spreading the high culture of the Sacred Defense beyond the borders of our country has become an urgent and priority. This study evaluates the quality of English subtitles in the film The Lost Strait using Pedersen’s model (2011). The main aim is to examine challenges involved in translating culture-specific items (CSIs) in film subtitles and to assess how successfully the subtitler transfers source-culture concepts into the target language. Culture-specific items were identified based on Newmark (2010) and subsequently analyzed according to Pedersen’s framework. A descriptive-analytical approach was used to determine the frequency and types of translation strategies as well as the extent to which a source-oriented or target-oriented approach prevailed Findings indicate that the subtitler predominantly adopted a source-oriented strategy, prioritizing the preservation of the original cultural meanings over extensive adaptation to the target audience. Keywords: cultural elements, Sacred Defense, Pedersen's model (2011), subtitles, The lost strait   Introduction  After the end of the imposed war, numerous efforts were made to record and promote the noble values of the Sacred Defense in the form of various cultural products. In this regard, various works such as books, articles, war memoirs, and especially numerous films and series in the Sacred Defense genre were produced in our country's domestic media, which, by narrating sacrifices and idealisms, strengthen national identity and transmit this culture to future generations. Given the importance of this issue, some of these noble works have been translated into different languages, especially English, in order to transmit this culture and values to non-Persian-speaking nations. Translating cultural items such as idioms, proverbs, religious allusions, and native concepts leads to difficult choices for translators due to the lack of precise equivalents in the target language. In many cases, the terms used in the culture of the Sacred Defense include values, emotions, and experiences that are unfamiliar and sometimes even complex to non-Iranian audiences. A translator who is trying to maintain cultural authenticity may have to choose between literal translation, which may not make complete sense to the reader, and reconstruction or localization of the content, which comes at the cost of losing some of the authenticity of the work. These challenges are further complicated in the translation of film subtitles due to spatial and temporal constraints. In view of this, the quality of the English translation of elements and terms related to the Sacred Defense in the subtitles of one of the few films of this genre; “The lost strait” was studied using the Pedersen’s (2011) model. The aim of this study is to examine the strategies used in the English subtitles of this film and analyze their success in accurately conveying the culture of the Sacred Defense in English, in order to comprehend the role and impact of these strategies in a better way, to establish an effective cultural communication between nations.   Materials & Methods The research method of this study is descriptive-analytical. Newmark's (2010) six-item classification has been used as a criterion for identifying cultural elements in the film. Each of these categories includes examples of specific cultural items that may be unfamiliar or difficult for readers of the target culture. The selection of samples was purposeful. The samples include a number of cultural elements from the film The lost strait that are specifically related to the cultural, historical, and religious concepts of Iran. These elements can include symbols, terms, proper names, proverbs, and Iranian-Islamic cultural concepts that may change when translated into other languages. Various methods have been used to collect data in this study. First, data were collected through the analysis and careful observation of different sequences of the film. In this study, data were analyzed with a qualitative approach. First, the cultural items identified from the film were categorized based on Pedersen's (2011) theoretical framework. Then, the translation strategies used in the subtitles were carefully examined to determine how cultural concepts were transferred from the source language to the target language.   Discussion & Result In this study, a total of 84 cultural elements were identified and analyzed from the subtitles of the film The lost strait, and in these cases, a total of 93 strategies from Pedersen's (2011) strategies were identified. These strategies are classified into two general categories: source- oriented and target-oriented. Among the source- oriented strategies; 10 cases of retention, 22 cases of specification, and 14 cases of direct translation were identified. Also, in the target-oriented strategies category; 11 cases of generalization, 11 cases of substitution, and 4 cases of omission were recorded. In addition, 21 cases were identified as official equivalents that do not fit into any of the above classifications. Source- oriented strategies have the largest share among the strategies used with 46 cases, equivalent to 49.5 percent. This percentage indicates the translator's emphasis on preserving the linguistic and cultural features of the source text. In contrast, target -oriented strategies with 26 cases, equivalent to 27.9%, indicate an attempt to better adapt the text to the culture and language of the target audience. Finally, formal equivalents with 21 cases, equivalent to 22.6%, were used for elements that had formal and common equivalents in the target language. This study clearly shows that the translation was done with greater emphasis on preserving the features of the source text, while attention was also paid to adaptation to the target language. This distribution of strategies indicates that the translation of film subtitles was generally based on a balanced approach that, while remaining faithful to the original text, tried to make it as understandable and acceptable as possible to the target language audience.   Conclusion The film The lost strait, as a work of sacred defense, deals not only with historical events but also with specific cultural and value concepts that are of great importance to the Iranian audience. In this context, preserving these concepts in translation, especially in the film's subtitles, is of great importance. For this reason, the translator's choice of source-oriented strategies seems logical, as he has tried to preserve the authenticity of the cultural and value concepts emphasized in the film. In contrast, the use of target -oriented strategies is observed to a lesser extent in the translation of this film. This indicates that the translator has focused more on maintaining loyalty to the source text and its concepts than on extensively adapting the concepts to the culture of the target audience. However, in specific cases where there was a need to adapt the concepts to the needs of the target language audience, strategies such as generalization and substitution have been used. Furthermore, the use of official equivalents in some cases has helped to maintain the accuracy and credibility of the translation and indicates that the translator has taken advantage of this option when it was possible to use common equivalents in the target language. This choice, especially in the translation of culturally specific terms and expressions, reflects the translator's attempt to strike a balance between fidelity to the original text and comprehensibility for the target language audience. 

Abstract Abstract Social networks occupy a significant part of people's time. It is necessary to research and study this type of social network and the behavioral model of users for the possible damages that any technology can bring. For this purpose, the present research was conducted to determine the relationship between the profile options of female Instagram users (20-24 years old) and their personality traits among users who refer to psychological centers in Qom. In this way, among the 20-24-year-old single girls who used Instagram in the psychological centers of Qom, 170 people were selected by the "available" method. To collect data, the Neo Personality Questionnaire (short form) was used. The data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient method. The results showed that among the 5 personality traits (psychoticism, openness, agreeableness, extroversion, and conscientiousness), none of the self-disclosure characteristics of the studied sample through name and photo in the Instagram relationship profile was significant. Also, among these 5 personality traits, 3 traits of neuroticism, openness, and agreeableness had no significant relationship with self-disclosure in the Instagram bio of the studied users. But at the same time, 2 personality traits of "extroversion and conscientiousness" have a user interface and meaning with self-disclosure in the Instagram bio of users. From the results, it is inferred that people who were more extroverted or conscientious provided more self-disclosure by presenting their bio on Instagram.The present study aimed to examine the relationship between Instagram profile options of female users and their personality traits among 20–24-year-old women attending psychological centers in Qom. Data were collected using the standard short form of the NEO Personality Inventory. The results showed no significant relationship between personality traits and self-disclosure through name and profile picture. However, two personality traits—extraversion and conscientiousness—had a positive and significant relationship with self-disclosure through the Instagram bio section.   Keywords: Social networks, Instagram, personality traits, self-disclosure, young women, psychological centers     Introduction   With the rapid expansion of the internet and social media—particularly Instagram—social interactions have undergone fundamental changes. Users express various aspects of their personality and attitudes indirectly through images, texts, and interaction choices on these platforms. Among Iranian users, especially the younger generation, Instagram has become a prominent medium for identity expression, interaction, and social relationship building. Understanding users’ behavior in virtual spaces can provide deeper insight into their psychological and social dimensions; therefore, examining the relationship between personality traits and self-disclosure behaviors on social media is of great importance. In this context, the present study explores the relationship between Instagram profile elements (name, photo, and bio) of young women and their personality traits.     Materials & Methods   This study employed a descriptive–correlational design. The statistical population included single women aged 20–24 who had active Instagram accounts and visited psychological centers in the city of Qom. Out of 300 potential participants, 170 individuals were selected through convenience sampling. Data were gathered using the short form of the NEO Personality Inventory, which measures the Big Five personality dimensions: neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. Information related to users’ profiles—including username, profile picture, and bio text—was collected through direct observation of their Instagram accounts. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient in SPSS software.     Discussion & Results   The findings indicated no significant relationship between any personality traits and self-disclosure through username or profile picture. In contrast, extraversion and conscientiousness showed a positive and significant correlation with self-disclosure in the Instagram bio section. In other words, extroverted and conscientious users tended to include more personal information in their bios and showed a greater inclination to present themselves. This suggests that extroverted individuals, due to their sociability and expressiveness, make more active use of Instagram’s self-presentation features. Conscientious individuals, on the other hand, tend to present themselves more precisely and honestly, reflecting their sense of responsibility and organization. No significant relationship was found between neuroticism, openness, or agreeableness and bio self-disclosure. These results are consistent with previous studies such as Mark & Ganzach (2014) and Wilson (2010).     Conclusion   According to the study’s findings, patterns of self-disclosure in virtual spaces—particularly Instagram—are significantly influenced by users’ personality traits. Extroverted and conscientious individuals are more likely to express themselves through their bios, while other traits do not show a meaningful effect. The results of this study can be applied in media psychology, counseling, and digital literacy education to raise awareness of how personality traits shape online behavior, ultimately helping to mitigate potential psychosocial harms 

Abstract Abstract This study examines the role of advertising techniques in shaping public opinion and influencing political behavior. Focusing on electoral campaigns and adopting a descriptive–analytical approach, the research identifies repetition, exaggeration, labeling, emotional appeals, and symbolic use as the most common techniques. Findings reveal that these strategies significantly direct audiences’ perceptions and political actions, particularly in contexts with low levels of media literacy, where they may distort reality and reinforce emotional judgments. The study highlights the need to promote media literacy skills and establish ethical frameworks to regulate political advertising. Keywords: Advertising techniques, Public opinion, Political communication, Media literacy, Elections.   Introduction In contemporary societies, political advertising has become one of the most powerful tools for shaping public opinion. With the expansion of mass media and digital networks, advertising techniques affect attitudes and behaviors with unprecedented speed and intensity. Electoral campaigns represent the most prominent arena where such techniques are deployed. The central problem of this research is to analyze how advertising strategies influence audiences and what social–political consequences they generate. The study aims to demonstrate the extent to which advertising techniques function as effective instruments in molding public attitudes and voters’ decisions. The core research question is: What are the dominant advertising techniques used in political campaigns, and how do they guide public opinion?     Materials and Methods This research employs a descriptive–analytical method. Data were collected through documentary studies and content analysis of political advertisements. Selected samples from official media and social networks during electoral campaigns were systematically examined and classified according to recognized categories in advertising and communication studies.   Discussion & Result The results indicate that the most frequently employed advertising techniques are: ·        Repetition and message amplification to create cognitive fixation; ·        Exaggeration of achievements or problems to attract attention; ·        Positive or negative labeling to build or undermine credibility; ·        Emotional appeals such as fear, hope, or anger as behavioral triggers; ·        Symbolic imagery and icons to foster identification or differentiation. The analysis reveals that in societies with limited media literacy, such techniques often distort realities and drive emotional rather than rational judgments. Conversely, improved critical thinking and media literacy skills can mitigate these negative effects and empower citizens to evaluate messages more objectively.   Conclusion Political advertising should be recognized not merely as a channel for information dissemination but as a structured mechanism to shape social perceptions and political conduct. This study underscores the urgent necessity of public awareness campaigns, systematic media literacy education, and the establishment of ethical codes for political advertising. Policymakers are advised to design regulatory frameworks that reduce manipulative practices and encourage evidence-based, transparent communication in electoral processes.

Abstract   Abstract : Employees often encounter very  work stressors in daily work, which influence their engagement in work. As work engagement is ssociated with employees’ well-being and performance, managers are interested in developing interventions to improve employees’work engagement. With the expansion of ESM in modern workplaces, the potential of using of ESM as as IT-based interventions for employees’ work engagementwill be of great importance. Therefore, the present study was considered with the aim of investigating the moderating role of using enterprise social media use in work engagement. Therefore, relying on the job demand-resources (JD-R) model, a research model was created to examine the moderating role of the use of work and non-work enterprise social media in the relationship between work stressors (challenge stressors and  Hindrance stressors) and work engagement.The present study is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive in terms of data collection. Based on the job demand-resources (JD-R) model, a research model was created to examine the moderating role of the use of work and non-work organizational social media in the relationship between work stressors (challenge stressors and inhibitory stressors) and job attachment. Research data were collected using a standard questionnaire and processed using Mplus software and the hierarchical ordinary least squares regression technique.The research model was tested using 420 valid responses collected through an online questionnaire in knowledge-based companies in Sheikh Bahai Science and Technology Park of Isfahan. challenge stressors are positively associated with work engagement while hindrance stressors are negatively associated with work engagement. also the relationship between challenge stressors and work engagement exhibits a U-shaped effect under the moderation of work-related ESM use but shows an inverted U-shaped effect under the moderation of nonwork-related ESM use.  and Finally the relationship between hindrance stressors and work engagement also exhibits a U-shaped effect under the moderation of nonwork-related ESM use. Hindrance-stressed employees may need a relatively higher level of nonwork-related ESM use than challenge-stressed employees to achieve optimal work engagement. Therefore, a sophisticated strategy regarding nonwork-related ESM use is needed. Keywords: Enterprise Social Media, Challenge and Iindrance Stressors, Work Engagement, Work and Non-Work Enterprise Social Media, Sheikh Bahai Science and Technology Park, Isfahan. Introduction: Work engagement, which “entails high levels of mental and physical energy, perseverance, willingness to invest effort in one’s job tasks as well as involvement in one’s work, a sense of significance, pride, and enthusiasm”, is an important consideration within organizations as it is a key sign of employees’ positive well-being and predictor of performance. The  job demands-resources (JD-R) model, which divides work conditions into job resources and job demands, and suggests that job resources have a positive influence on employees’ work engagement  while job demands appraised as challenges (challenge stressors) are positively associated with work engagement and job demands appraised as hindrances (hindrance stressors) are negatively related to it. Interventions for employees’ work engagement requires greater attention because of the emergence of social information technologies (ITs) in the modern workplace, particularly enterprise social media (ESM). ESM is a set of internet-based applications that enable employees to create and edit content, communicate work- and nonwork-related messages, facilitate information and knowledge sharing among workers and stakeholders, allow employees to enjoy entertainment and personal social interaction among colleagues, friends and family during working hours. Therefore, interventions for employees' work engagement require more attention due to the emergence of social information technologies in the modern work environment, especially organizational social media (ESM). By supporting work- and nonwork-related activities, ESM is considered as a solution for employees’ work engagement. The use of organizational social media has a moderating role in the impact of challenging stressors and i hindrance  stressors on work engagement. Employees often encounter very  work stressors in daily work, which influence their engagement in work. As work engagement is associated with employees’ well-being and performance, managers are interested in developing interventions to improve employees’ work engagement. With the expansion of ESM in modern workplaces, the potential of using of ESM as as IT-based interventions for employees’ work engagement will be of great importance. Therefore, in a special way, the present study poses the question: "How does the use of work and non-work organizational social media moderate the relationship between work stressors (challenging and hindrance stressors) and work engagement  ?" Therefore, the present study was considered with the aim of investigating the moderating role of using organizational social media in work engagement.     Materials and Methods:  Based on the job demand-resources (JD-R) model, a research model was created to examine the moderating role of the use of work and non-work organizational social media in the relationship between work stressors (challenge stressors and hindrance stressors stressors) and work engagement. The research model was tested by using 420 valid responses collected through an online questionnaire in science-based companies in Sheikh Bahai Science and Technology Park, Isfahan. To test the hypotheses, linear main effects and nonlinear moderating effects were analyzed using Mplus software and hierarchical ordinary least squares regression technique.   Discussion and Results:  The results showed: a) challenge stressors were found to be positively associated with work engagement while hindrance stressors were negatively associated with work engagement. b) the positive relationship between challenge stressors and work engagement exhibits a U-shaped effect under the moder- ation of work-related ESM use, which is contrary to  the hypothesis; it is strongest under intermediate levels of work-related ESM use but comparatively weaker when work-related ESM use is low or high.It may be related to the improvement of employees’ ability in processing information as they become more familiar with ESM to handle their job demands. studies have also shown that experienced IT users are able to handle information effectively and efficiently, and less likely to feel information overload  relative to novice users. Thus, although engaged employees may be distracted by messages they received from ESM, they can reengage in work quickly because of their rich information processing experience. c) the quadratic moderation effect of work-related ESM use on the relationship between hindrance stressors and work engagement is not significant. partially attribute this result to employees’ negative attitude toward hindrance stressors. Although work-related ESM use can bring job resources such as work-related information for hindrance-stressed employees, they may not be motivated to process and absorb such information, transform it into their own personal resource, and leverage them to buffer the detrimental influence of hindrance stressors on work engagement due to the negativeimpacts of these stressors to their performance and personal growth. d) the positive relationship between challenge stressors and work engagement shows an inverted U-shaped effect under the moderation of nonwork-related ESM use. That is, only with intermediate levels of nonwork-related ESM use can challenge-stressed employees be engaged in their work at highest level. Finally, the relationship between hindrance stressors and work engagement exhibits a U-shaped effect under the moderation effectof nonwork-related ESM use. In other words, when nonwork-related ESM use is at an intermediate level, hindrance-stressed employees’ work engagement would be at the lowest level.     Conclusion:  The influence of challenge and hindrance stressors on work engagement depends on both ESM use types and ESM use intensity, managers should take the types of work stressors into consideration when implement ESM. First, since a U-shaped moderation of work-related ESM use in the relationship between challenge stressors and work engagement is found, we suggest managers to employ ESM for work-related purposes, but they should not only encourage challenge-stressed employees to use ESM to obtain job resources but also arrange ESM training that help them improve their experience and abilities in processing the abundant work-related messages they received, so as to avoid experiencing negative effects of ESM (e.g., information overload and ESM-related exhaustion). Second, our findings support the necessity of nonwork-related ESM use in organizations, as it can empower all employees to in-crease work engagement. However, managers may design rules to restrict nonwork-related ESM use to a reasonable level, which can benefit both challenge- and hindrance-stressed employees. Our findings indicate that the ideal level of nonwork-related ESM use is different for challenge- and hindrance-stressed employees. Hindrance-stressed employees may need a relatively higher level of nonwork-related ESM use than challenge-stressed employees to achieve optimal work engagement. Therefore, a sophisticated strategy regarding nonwork-related ESM use is needed.

Abstract Abstract In this article, the designed and validated content of the educational package on psychological literacy of media and cyberspace, which was prepared based on Potter's cognitive perspective on media literacy and based on the vision document for the transformation of education and the explanatory strategy, is introduced. In this survey and applied research, which is among the psychometric studies, the statistical population was experts in the fields of media, psychology, communications, and experts in the field of media literacy. The content of the educational package was provided to 12 experts for validation in the form of a questionnaire. The data were analyzed with SPSS-23 software. The educational package on psychological literacy of media and cyberspace was developed and standardized based on culture, with an educational and explanatory approach in the form of eight sessions. The content validity of this educational package in the category of relevance is 51.87, in clarity 17.79, in simplicity 16.79, and in total 95.81 (acceptable). The content validity ratio of the educational package was 0.92, and its importance index coefficient was 8.92. The culturally based psychological literacy training package for media and cyberspace has acceptable content validity. This training and intervention package is recommended for gently confronting the threats of cognitive and hybrid media warfare and preventing media harm in various groups, especially adolescents. Media literacy training using this training package can be effective in reducing vulnerability to media threats by improving the knowledge and culture of media and cyberspace users.   Keywords: Psychological Media Literacy Training Package, Cognitive Coping, Cyberspace, Adolescents                                                   Introduction In the present era, we are witnessing the impact of media on education and training. The world has entered a new stage with the emergence and spread of the technological revolution in the 1980s, and it plays an important role in the behavior of children and adolescents and changing their social behaviors (Turkzadeh et al., 2019). To face new media, users need to acquire skills under the title of new media literacy. Media literacy means basic competencies that allow citizens to interact effectively with the media, develop critical thinking and lifelong learning skills for their socialization, and make them active citizens (Al-Zoubi, 2021). “Media literacy,” one of the important and new phenomena of the information age, helps audiences in “increasing the level of information and awareness,” “using media with an approach beyond habit and entertainment,” and “acquiring the necessary insight and knowledge to interpret messages” (Taslimi and Agha Mohammadi, 2015). McLuhan first spoke of "media literacy in the global village" (McLuhan, 1964). In many countries, media thinking and literacy have long been included in the student curriculum. In our country, based on the resolution of the Supreme Council of Education since 2016, a course called media thinking and literacy has been included in the tenth-grade curriculum. The skill of using media by teaching and promoting media literacy has also been introduced in the Fundamental Transformation of Education document since 2011 as a solution to strengthen the foundation and increase the level of family skills. Therefore, preparing students to actively deal with the media is one of the important tasks of the formal education system (Educational Research and Planning Organization, 2019). Due to the up-to-dateness of the field of literacy and media and the remarkable and complex developments in this field of communication, media literacy and its education require rich resources that are in line with the cultural and social conditions and developments of each society. Rich and authentic sources of knowledge and knowledge such as the Holy Quran, religious teachings, and the thoughts of the elders, can be considered the best model for teaching media literacy and increasing the level of media literacy of audiences in religiously oriented societies (Shahvandpour and Salarkia, 2014). Psychological literacy of media and cyberspace is a new interdisciplinary concept that was conceptualized in this study and consists of a set of knowledge and skills that make media users sensitive and familiar with the dimensions, effects, and psychological consequences of media on cognitive, emotional, and behavioral-social domains when using media. Due to the newness of this concept, no background was obtained related to the construction and standardization of an educational package related to it. The nature of the media and the main effects of the media are to affect psychological dimensions, such as the thoughts, minds, and psyche of the audience and then the social contexts. This study was conducted to design and standardize a culture-based educational package in the field of psychological literacy of media and cyberspace.   Materials & Methods The present research method is a survey and is applied in terms of purpose, and is among the psychometric studies. The statistical population and sample of the research included written and non-written sources related to the field of media and cyberspace psychology, communications, media literacy, hybrid and soft media warfare, Jihad of Explanation, and the psychological effects of media. Accordingly, various headings based on culture and based on the Vision Document for Transformation in Education, the Second Step of the Revolution Statement, the Jihad of Explanation Approach, and Potter's Cognitive Theory were extracted, and scientific content was prepared in each field. In the validation section, the research sample consisted of 12 experts related to the fields of media, psychology, communications, and media literacy. The initial version of the content of the educational package was reviewed by several scientific colleagues from psychology, social sciences, and experts and activists in the field of media and media literacy at the universities of Birjand, and some items were modified and edited according to their opinions. The validation questionnaire and the final version of the instructions for the psychological literacy of media and cyberspace educational package were provided to 12 provincial and national experts in the fields of psychology, communications, media, and media literacy, and the psychometric dimensions of the educational package were calculated.   Discussion & Result According to the experts' opinion, the content validity of the training package sessions was 87.51 in relevance, 17.97 in clarity, 16.79 in simplicity, and 81.95 in total (acceptable). The average content validity ratio index of the training package was 0.92 (acceptable), and the content importance index of the training package was 92.8.   Conclusion The purpose of this research was to introduce a local and culturally-based educational package for psychological literacy in media and cyberspace. In designing the educational package, based on the explanatory approach of soft confrontation with cognitive and mixed media warfare, headings and scientific content were prepared. In analyzing and validating the educational package, 12 expert opinions were received from professors and experts in the fields of media and media literacy, communications, and psychology. The results showed that the educational package for psychological literacy in media and cyberspace has acceptable content validity, content validity ratio, and importance index. Due to the lack of precedent for the subject of psychological literacy in media and cyberspace, no reportable, consistent and inconsistent research was obtained. The content of the educational package for psychological literacy in media and cyberspace has high credibility and is therefore expected to be introduced in the form of a documented educational program and considered and implemented by institutions responsible for media literacy training at different educational levels. It is expected that media literacy training with a psychological literacy package for media and cyberspace, native and based on Iranian-Islamic culture, will be used by various groups in society, especially adolescents, as one of the most important target groups of the media. 

Abstract Abstract The main purpose of the present study was to understand the sensitive issues in Kurdistan and in the regional media space especially in Kurdistan province, and for this reason, to better understand the issue, qualitative and quantitative Delphi method was used. The statistical population of the research included experts active in the fields of humanities in Kurdistan province and familiar with the conditions of this province. In the qualitative section, 22 participants answered the questions and in the quantitative section, 38 participants answered the closed questions.The whole process shows the impact of cultural, ethnic, religious, inferiority and the absence of free media on the reaction to the activities of the media, and in this regard, the media should know the cultural differences and cultural sensitivities of different groups and try to maintain their neutrality in confronting with and distinguishing between the inferior and the superior. Also, having a maximum approach in attracting the audience can help the realization of social and national understanding. Keywords: Sensitive Concepts, a, Ethnicity, Language, Religion,  Feelings of Inferiority   Introduction  With the expansion of media, a fluid and ambiguous period of potentially negative consequences of the modern world and its new communication media is being drawn for contemporary man.On the one hand, mass media seem to threaten social unity and on the other hand, they are an antidote to the threats that other social forces, such as mobility and rapid change, face to this unity (Kellner, 1994; Weedon, 2004; Barker, 2002).Political socialization has two groups of consumers and producers.Media consumers seek to find and access their goals and understand and hear everything that is consistent with their beliefs, and producers seek to transmit everything that is consistent with their beliefs. In Iran, as in other parts of the world, there is a sensitive political issue at the macro-level of governance, and that is adherence to Islam and its principles, and at the same time the importance of the sacred things, the revolution, and respect for the constitution. Addressing these important sacred things must be in a legal and religious format, and any kind of address outside the framework of Islamic values can cause many problems in society and many protests.Sometimes, both in Iran and in the region, an expert, presenter, or guest on a television program raises a debate and then provokes a reaction from the audience, and on the other hand, that person explains in response that he did not intend to offend and that the conversation was not properly understood.Even the most aimless and cursory everyday conversations require the application of complex common understanding and knowledge by both parties.Words do not always have precise meanings, and we “clarify” what we mean through the unstated assumptions that underpin our speech (Giddens, 1999: 125).   Materials and Methods  The present research method is the Delphi method, which uses two qualitative and quantitative dimensions to understand the phenomenon under study. In fact, Delphi is a method for understanding the future with an emphasis on experts. In this research, understanding possible changes will also be considered, and the degree of agreement of opinions in both the qualitative and quantitative parts of the research has been examined. In the qualitative Delphi method, the research questions were first presented to 23 researchers and experts, and all the answers were collected in detail. These experts were active in the fields of humanities (media, sociology, law, political studies, management, popular culture). The sampling method of the research in the qualitative section is purposive sampling. A link was designed in the system to collect information in the quantitative section, and other people, apart from the participants in the qualitative section, answered the questions in an accessible manner. In-depth interviews were used to collect data for the final analyses, and in the final section, a 33-question questionnaire with 5 Likert-type responses was used.   Discussion & Result Researchers say that the construction and formulation of concepts, categories, and propositions in field theory is circular.The meaning of “circularity” is the process of organizing concepts, categories, and propositions, the fluidity of the research flow, and the researcher’s repeated return to previous stages to modify, change, and arrive at a suitable theory that can help explain the observed relationships (Zekaei, 2002:57-56). Based on the findings of the qualitative section, it can be said that in Kurdistan province there is a background (origin) and factors that, through processes, cause the formation of a group of sensitive concepts (with their own characteristics) among the audience of the province’s radio and television.As issues such as societal norms, media activities (whether provincial, national, satellite, or virtual), economic, social, political, and ideological conditions and changes in the country, and social divisions (including ethnic, religious, and linguistic divisions) cause concepts to create a kind of sensitivity among the people of Kurdistan Province and the government through repetition, prohibition, limitation, continuity, and other factors. The second proposition of this research is that sensitive concepts are a set of concepts that are determinable (dependent on place, time, and conditions) and have subjective and objective aspects (speech and action) and include opinions, beliefs, words, statements, gestures, gestures, and behaviors that create reactions and arousals that are almost similar or different but with different degrees (from discussion, criticism, to protest, and violence) in different segments of society, and cause people or the government to be sensitive to their use or type of use and utilization. The third proposition extracted from the qualitative part of this research is that: Sensitive concepts, by arousing and creating reactions among the people and officials, confront the media with problems such as violating goals and missions, freedom of action, and media restrictions.    Conclusion  According to the participants in this article, beliefs, identity, behavior, and movements are considered elements of sensitive concepts.Types of sensitive concepts are important in political, religious, ethnic, personal, social, and historical dimensions.Socio-economic changes, social divides, ideology, customs, and media are among the origins of sensitive concepts according to the present study.Even where there may be no specific orientation or bias, audiences may feel discriminated against or dissatisfied. Therefore, in Kurdistan Province, there are contexts (origins) and factors that, through processes, lead to the formation of a group of sensitive concepts (with their own characteristics) among the audience of the province's broadcasting.As issues such as societal norms, media activities (whether provincial, national, satellite, or virtual), economic, social, political, and ideological conditions and changes in the country, and social divisions (including ethnic, religious, and linguistic divisions) cause concepts to create a kind of sensitivity among the people of Kurdistan Province and the government through repetition, prohibition, limitation, continuity, and factors like these, and have a greater impact through processes such as norms, values, beliefs, and sacred matters.The most important characteristics of sensitive concepts are that they are two-faced;that is, they create sensitivity among both the people and the governments.They are also subject to time, conditions, and different perspectives in society and governments, as well as creating inequality and discrimination in society.

Abstract Abstract This research aims to identify challenges and solutions for enhancing the prominence of Iranian films in festivals, particularly the Fajr Film Festival. As the key platform for showcasing Iranian cinema, the Fajr Film Festival plays a crucial role in strengthening its international credibility. A systematic literature review of 58 selected articles out of 136 highlights the main challenges: (1) inadequate use of modern technologies, such as digital platforms, limiting global visibility; (2) technical and logistical issues in the film selection process, reducing quality and competition; (3) weak marketing strategies, leading to low international awareness; (4) competition from prestigious global festivals, which limits opportunities for Iranian films; (5) contextual barriers affecting global perceptions; (6) structural and managerial issues, including government dependency and poor inter-departmental coordination; and (7) jury challenges, such as lack of standardized criteria and subjective evaluations, impacting fair assessments. The findings suggest that to improve the prominence of Iranian films, it is crucial to reevaluate policies, adopt new technologies, enhance marketing strategies, and improve managerial processes. Keywords: Film authority, cultural branding, Iranian festival, cultural diplomacy, Fajr Film Festival.   Introduction This study aims to identify the challenges and solutions for enhancing the authority of Iranian films participating in festivals, with a particular focus on the Fajr Film Festival. The Fajr Film Festival, as the most significant event for showcasing and evaluating Iranian films, plays a crucial role in enhancing the international credibility of Iranian cinema. Despite its annual occurrence and the participation of various Iranian films, the festival has not yet achieved the level of international recognition necessary for elevating the authority of Iranian films. Key challenges include inadequate use of modern technologies, weaknesses in the management and executive processes, structural inconsistencies, and issues related to film evaluation. Therefore, the main objective of this research is to explore these challenges and propose effective strategies to enhance the prominence of Iranian films at the Fajr Film Festival and in global cinema.   Materials & Methods This research employs a systematic literature review methodology. A comprehensive search for relevant studies was conducted across scholarly databases such as Web of Science, Elsevier, Springer, ScienceDirect, and Wiley Online Library. Keywords related to authority, film branding, Fajr Film Festival, digital marketing in cinema, and structural challenges in film festivals were used. Initially, 136 articles were identified and analyzed, from which 58 studies with the most relevant content were selected for a deeper investigation. The study followed a six-step process for conducting a systematic review, including the search strategy, identifying relevant studies, quality screening, qualitative evidence extraction, thematic analysis, and synthesis of findings. A total of 109 qualitative pieces of evidence were extracted from 49 sources and categorized into seven main themes: technology-related barriers, technical challenges, marketing and promotion issues, competitive obstacles, contextual barriers, structural and managerial problems, and issues with the film evaluation process. These insights were then utilized to formulate strategies aimed at improving the authority of Iranian films in international festivals.   Discussion & Result The findings reveal several key challenges in enhancing the prominence of Iranian films at the Fajr Film Festival. One major issue is the lack of effective use of modern digital platforms and online technologies. Digital media and social networks have the potential to expand the visibility of films on a global scale, but their underutilization at the Fajr Film Festival has hindered the international recognition of Iranian films. Additionally, technical barriers such as the complexity and lack of transparency in the film selection process have made it difficult for filmmakers to effectively present their work. This lack of clarity and inefficiency in the selection process undermines the quality of the festival's offerings and limits its impact on global audiences. Furthermore, structural and managerial issues, such as the over-reliance on government institutions and poor coordination between different departments, have adversely affected the organization and execution of the festival. In the marketing and promotional areas, a lack of comprehensive strategies and the underutilization of digital advertising tools have prevented Iranian films from gaining significant international exposure. Additionally, competition from well-established global festivals has limited the opportunities for Iranian films to stand out, while the absence of robust strategies for increasing the festival’s global competitiveness remains an obstacle. Finally, cultural and contextual barriers, including gender discrimination and political issues, have also played a role in the underrepresentation of Iranian films on the world stage.   Conclusion Based on the findings, it is clear that enhancing the authority of Iranian films at festivals, particularly the Fajr Film Festival, requires significant structural and strategic reforms. One of the key recommendations is the optimal utilization of modern technologies, especially digital platforms and social media, to increase the visibility of Iranian films on a global scale. The integration of online screenings and live streaming capabilities would allow the festival to transcend geographical limitations and offer greater access to international audiences. Additionally, establishing clear and standardized criteria for film selection and evaluation is critical to improving the fairness and quality of the selection process. This would help eliminate the subjective nature of current evaluations and increase the credibility of the festival’s awards. In terms of marketing, the implementation of innovative and effective digital marketing campaigns is essential to raise global awareness of Iranian films. Moreover, improving organizational efficiency and securing better financial and institutional support from both public and private sectors will enhance the festival’s overall execution. The festival must also enhance international collaborations and foster greater intercultural dialogue to improve the global positioning of Iranian cinema. Finally, this study emphasizes that the Fajr Film Festival must leverage its potential as a cultural and artistic platform to strengthen cultural diplomacy and enhance the global stature of Iranian films. 

Abstract Abstract
This study examines the role of culture and media in the reconstruction of political discourses in the Middle East, with a particular focus on the geopolitics of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The central question of the research is how regional powers—especially Iran—utilize cultural and media tools to represent themselves and undermine rival discourses. The core inquiry is: how do culture and media contribute to the construction, reinforcement, or transformation of political discourses in the Middle East, and how has Iran employed these capacities to enhance its regional position? The hypothesis of the study is that Iran, through cultural-identity components and strategic use of aligned media outlets, has reproduced a specific discourse centered on resistance, independence, and justice—functioning as a means of soft power projection in the region. Adopting an interpretive approach, this qualitative research employs thematic discourse analysis to examine the content of 30 selected media outlets (15 aligned with Iran and 15 opposing or neutral), including networks such as Press TV, Al-Alam, Al-Arabiya, Al-Jazeera, BBC, and Sky News, over the period 2011 to 2025. The findings indicate that media outlets, beyond merely reflecting political realities, play an active role in producing and stabilizing identity-based narratives. The geopolitical competition between Iran and its regional rivals is largely framed within the field of cultural and media-based narrative construction. Keywords: Culture, Media, Political Discourse, Cultural Geopolitics, Iran, Discourse Analysis, Middle East Introduction The institution of religious authority (marja‘iyyah) has long held a central place in Islamic theological, legal, and social life—particularly within the Shi'a tradition. In this tradition, religious authority extends beyond the issuance of legal rulings to encompass spiritual guidance, interpretation of divine law, and the preservation of doctrinal integrity. However, the processes of globalization—characterized by rapid technological development, expanded communication networks, epistemic pluralism, and the erosion of traditional knowledge hierarchies—have posed significant challenges to this long-standing institution. In contemporary Islamic societies, particularly those navigating both traditional religious structures and modern global pressures, the concept and function of religious authority are undergoing fundamental transformation. The present study investigates the philosophical and theological challenges confronting religious authority in the context of globalization, with a special focus on Shi’a Islamic thought. It asks: how has globalization influenced the legitimacy, role, and perceived authority of traditional fuqaha? Furthermore, to what extent are these changes symptomatic of a broader theological shift, rather than merely sociological developments?   Methods and Materials This research adopts a qualitative approach, specifically employing content analysis of a purposive sample of academic texts. The methodology is interpretive, grounded in thematic analysis of both primary and secondary literature on Islamic theology, religious authority, philosophy of religion, and the sociocultural effects of globalization. The statistical population includes all relevant scholarly works addressing the relationship between religious legitimacy and contemporary global dynamics. The sample consists of 18 books and peer-reviewed articles—a mixture of Persian and English sources—selected for their direct relevance to the research question and their academic credibility. These sources include works by Takim (2007), Mavani (2013), Mohiuddin (2023), Whyte (2024), and Kadivar (2003), as well as Persian scholars such as Firoozi, Vaezi, and Ma‘aref. Each text was analyzed for content relating to:   1.      The theological foundations of marja‘iyyah in Shi'a thought 2.      Epistemological transformations under globalization 3.      Emergent challenges to traditional religious authority 4.      The adaptation (or resistance) of religious actors to global change 5.        Themes were identified through iterative reading, and key conceptual tensions—between tradition and modernity, hierarchy and plurality, authority and autonomy—were mapped across the sources.   Discussion &Results The research findings indicate that globalization has led to both disruption and redefinition of religious authority in Islamic contexts. Several key dynamics were identified: -Epistemological Displacement: The study finds that traditional structures of religious authority are increasingly challenged by a new epistemic environment in which knowledge is democratized, decentralized, and subject to public contestation. Religious scholars are no longer the sole interpreters of divine texts; rather, laypeople increasingly participate in online theological debates, often guided by algorithmic amplification rather than scholarly lineage (Bunt, 2018; Ali, 2010). -The Emergence of Alternative Authorities: Figures with no formal training in classical Islamic sciences—social media influencers, activist imams, or hybrid intellectuals—are gaining religious credibility among younger audiences. This undermines the exclusivity of traditional maraji‘ and fosters competition in defining religious norms (Zaid et al., 2022; Mohiuddin, 2023). -Generational Shifts in Religious Expectation: Younger Muslims, particularly those raised in urban and globalized contexts, are less inclined to accept authority without dialogical engagement and transparency. The study highlights a growing demand for reasoned, ethical, and accessible theological discourse, challenging traditional modes of jurisprudential instruction and taqlid (Whyte, 2024; Firoozi, 2011). -Dual Responses from Traditional Authority: Some maraji‘ have embraced technological tools, online platforms, and accessible language to maintain relevance and assert their authority in a global context. Others have resisted adaptation, fearing erosion of scholarly integrity and the collapse of doctrinal hierarchy (Vaezi, 2004; Soroush Mahallati, 2009). -Theological Reinterpretation of Legitimacy: The concept of legitimacy itself—rooted in Quranic verses, the Imamate, and rational foundations—has undergone reassessment. The study argues that theological discourse is no longer confined to classical kalam texts but now includes broader philosophical and sociopolitical questions related to representation, moral autonomy, and religious authenticity. Overall, the research shows that while globalization presents undeniable challenges to religious authority, it also opens pathways for the revitalization of theological thought. By engaging critically with global discourses, Islamic scholars have the opportunity to articulate a renewed vision of marja‘iyyah that balances fidelity to tradition with responsiveness to contemporary realities.   Conclusion This study concludes that religious authority in Shi’a Islam is currently at a philosophical and theological crossroads. Globalization has created an epistemic and institutional rupture that forces traditional religious institutions to reassess both their mode of operation and their foundational legitimacy. Far from signaling a collapse of authority, this moment offers an opportunity for creative theological engagement. If Islamic religious thought is to remain a living and effective guide for Muslim societies, its institutions must not only preserve doctrinal integrity but also adopt flexible, inclusive, and dialogical approaches to authority. The ongoing challenge will be to formulate a concept of marja‘iyyah that withstands the fragmentation of modern epistemologies while offering meaningful spiritual and ethical leadership in an interconnected world.

Abstract This study examines the representation of resistance economic policies in the Iranian media and their impact on public attitudes toward the national economy. The main question of the study is how the media use linguistic and visual tools to shape the audience’s understanding of these policies. The hypothesis of the study is that by positively representing resistance economic policies, the Iranian media have sought to create or change public attitudes in favor of the national economy. To answer this question, the study used the qualitative content analysis method and data were collected from articles published in 15 reputable Iranian media outlets during the years 2011 to 2014. The statistical population includes all media outlets that have analyzed resistance economic policies, and the statistical sample was selected from media outlets such as Mehr News, Donyay Eqtesad, and Mashreq News. The results of the study show that the media, using nationalist concepts and emphasizing resistance to sanctions, have been trying to attract public support for resistance economic policies by relying on these headlines, articles, and analyses. These representations have clearly sought to reinforce the importance of domestic production and self-sufficiency in the minds of the audience.

Abstract Abstract: The expansion of reading on screens and within digital lifeworlds has transformed patterns of attention, presence, and the depth of processing in reading. The relationship between print and digital reading has now become an interdisciplinary issue that is directly tied to the design of reading spaces. To clarify the impact of the architecture of reading spaces on reading quality, with a focus on mechanisms of immersion, it becomes essential to ask how mediating spaces can enhance reading quality or, by adding cognitive load, diminish it. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach within a space‑based theoretical framework that distinguishes three levels of reading - hegemonic space, resistant space, and mediating space - and using a theoretical–documentary method through a critical review of the interdisciplinary literature on reading and technology, together with a comparison of reading quality across print (paper) and digital (electronic) media, the present study examines how changes in reading spaces and technological developments affect reading quality via the degree of audience immersion in these spaces. The findings show that the architecture of digital reading spaces, by virtue of the design of interactive narratives, exerts a direct influence on the depth of users’ immersion. In particular, the results indicate that in digital reading, mediating spaces can enhance reading quality by strengthening the sense of presence and enabling two‑way interaction; however, this advantage must be considered alongside the specific cognitive challenges of such spaces if the quality of reader participation in reading is to improve. Such enhancement of interaction can be achieved by purposefully guiding the mediating spaces and mitigating the sources of strain that compromise reading quality.  Keywords: Media, Digital, Reading, Space, Mediated Spaces, Interactive narration, Immersion.   Introduction Over the past two decades, reading has migrated from the page to screens, transforming not only where we read but the spaces within which reading unfolds. Digital texts now embed hyperlinks, annotations, and interactive layers that constitute mediating spaces around the core text, expanding opportunities for engagement while also introducing cognitive costs (visual fatigue, fragmentation, and reduced sustained attention). This article reframes the print‑versus‑digital debate through a space‑based lens, arguing that the architecture of reading spaces, rather than the carrier medium alone, explains differences in immersion and comprehension. To build this lens, the study synthesizes scholarship across cognitive reading research and media studies with spatial theory (e.g., Lefebvre’s production of space, Lotman’s semiosphere, Foucault’s heterotopias), and positions deep reading as an outcome of how reading spaces are designed and navigated. The guiding question is: How do the architectures of digital reading spaces shape immersion, presence, and the quality of comprehension, and what design levers strengthen deep reading?  Materials & Methods This is a fundamental, theory‑building study using an analytic conceptual method and documentary sources (books, peer‑reviewed articles, programmatic reports). The procedure unfolded in four steps: 1. Scoping review of international and national literature on reading across print and digital environments; 2. Theoretical integration of spatial concepts : (hegemonic/resistant/mediating spaces) with constructs from reading research (immersion, presence, cognitive load); 3. Comparative analysis of reading spaces and game‑based interactive spaces to surface shared mechanisms of presence and agency; 4. Model articulation, yielding a triadic spatial framework and a set of design heuristics for digital reading that balance interactivity with deep comprehension. No new behavioral data were collected; the contribution is an integrated conceptual architecture plus practice‑oriented implications.    Discussion & Result 1.      Architecture over carrier: The decisive factor for reading quality is the design of the reading space (layout, pacing, navigational cues, link density, and the choreography of interaction), not simply whether the carrier is print or screen. Interactive narrative design directly modulates immersion.  2.      Mediating spaces as double‑edged: Thoughtfully designed mediating spaces (notes, glosses, contextual layers) increase sense of presence and bidirectional interaction; poorly orchestrated layers increase cognitive load, amplify visual fatigue, and can depress comprehension—especially in long or complex texts.  3.      Stability vs. volatility of spatial cues: Print’s stable affordances (fixed pagination, tactile anchors) support spatial memory and deep reading. Screen environments, dominated by continuous scrolling and multitasking, bias toward skimming and overconfidence in understanding unless counter‑designed.  4.      Preference gradient of contemporary reading: Readers disproportionately consume short, multimodal texts on screens, engage with medium‑length texts when supported by images/structure, and reserve long‑form (literary or academic) for contexts with stronger spatial scaffolding—often print or print‑like screen designs.  5.      Triadic space model: Reading practices can be mapped to hegemonic spaces (linear print‑like), resistant spaces (user agency, platform constraints challenged), and mediating spaces (interactive paratexts that bridge text and context). Hybrids are common in digital settings.  6.      Three strands of immersion: a.       Temporal immersion (coherent story time‑lines vs. fragmentation), b.      Spatial immersion (cohesive mental mapping of the text’s world/interface), c.       Emotional immersion (affective engagement through narrative and multimodal cues). Each strand can be strengthened, or weakened, by space design choices.  7.      Design levers for deep reading: Clear navigational wayfinding, disciplined link choreography, distraction‑reduced modes, and structured paratexts (e.g., summaries, breadcrumbs, stable headings) reliably support deeper comprehension while preserving interactivity.  8.      Cross‑media resonance: Game‑space analogies show that agency and presence rise when interaction is purposeful, bounded, and readable; indiscriminate interactivity degrades focus.  The findings recast “print vs. screen” as a spatial design problem. When digital reading is criticized for shallow processing, the culprit is rarely digitization per se but the volatile architecture of many screen spaces (endless scrolls, dense link fields, concurrent notifications). Conversely, digital environments can equal, or even exceed-print when they stabilize spatial cues (paginated or chunked layouts), stage interactivity (links that extend meaning rather than detour it), and pace attention (temporal breaks, preview/recap structures). In this sense, mediating spaces are not extra media; they are the designed in‑betweens that either scaffold deep reading or scatter it. Implications follow for multiple stakeholders: ·        Designers/platforms: Implement dual‑mode interfaces (skim ↔ deep), explicit wayfinding, link minimalism for long‑form, and calm interaction patterns to curb cognitive load. ·        Publishers/educators: Commission editions and courses that teach spatial navigation (e.g., strategic hyperlinking, note‑taking within the same space), not merely content coverage. ·        Researchers: Pair this conceptual model with empirical studies (eye‑tracking, workload indices, presence measures) to quantify how specific spatial features modulate comprehension and affect. Limits of the study include its non‑experimental design and reliance on secondary sources; however, the article’s contribution is a coherent spatial framework that unifies dispersed results in cognitive reading and media studies with a practical design vocabulary.    Conclusion Reading is a spatial practice: comprehension and immersion depend on how the reading space is built, sequenced, and signposted. By shifting attention from medium to space, this article shows that digital reading’s shortcomings are design‑contingent, not inherent. Mediating spaces, when curated, heighten presence and interaction; when unbounded, they tax working memory and thin understanding. The way forward is to architect guided mediating spaces that (1) preserve coherent temporal flow, (2) stabilize spatial anchors, and (3) enrich emotional engagement without saturating attention. In doing so, digital environments can reconcile efficiency with depth, sustaining the values of deep reading while embracing the affordances of contemporary media ecologies