A Study of Hiding Moral Values in Communicative Actions in Two Selected Telegram Channels

Authors

1 Departmemt of Cultural Studies and Communication. Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies

2 پژوهشگاه علوم انسانی و مطالعات فرهنگی

Abstract

 
This paper is trying to study the lack of knowledge on moral values dominating the actions of users on Telegram Application and deficiencies in respectful interactions, mutual understanding, and constructive dialogue among different social groups. Identifying values is significant in this research because values are the criteria for the formation of certain modes of action. Methodological approach to research is qualitative using oriented content analysis. For this purpose the theoretical model of research was developed by integrating Habermas's concept of Discourse Ethics and Schwartz theory of Basic Values which was the basis for oriented content analysis. As a result of this integration, three values of conformity, universality, and security have been recognized as the main categories of oriented content analysis. The under study samples were the contents of two channels with different approaches to peace. In other words, "Cyber Army of the Shrine Defenders" channel and the "Friends Hangout" channel.  Findings indicate that in the first group, the values of "security" and "universality" were more violated whereas in the second group, the values of "conformity" and "universality" were more observed, but in confrontation with opposing views, non-interactive features such as mockery were used. The violation of moral values in the studied samples has reduced both the possibility of achieving dialogue and mutual understanding and also, the opportunity for awareness resulting from exchange and respectful relationship in these channels.

Keywords