درخت حوزه‌های تخصصی

Background: Space is a constructed concept: a cultural and ideological segmentation, and a translation of the sociopolitical structures of society. On social media platforms, the public becomes a composite of privates, where individuals’ multiple selves are (re)presented before a multiplicity of audiences within a third type of space, which we coin the “publivate” sphere. This sphere emerges from the combination and blurring of public and private spaces on social media platforms.Aims: This article aimed to shed light on issues related to cyber self-(re)presentation within this “publivate” space.Methodology: We utilized cross-level integration, synthesizing micro- and macro-level theories, and interdisciplinary integration, incorporating concepts and theories from diverse fields, including social media studies, sociology, psychology, and regulatory perspectives.Discussions: We discussed how the interplay among public, private, and “publivate” selves, along with the reciprocal influences of conformity, pluralistic ignorance, normalization, and normativity, have been transforming the traditional compartmentalization of spaces in Iranian social life. Additionally, we discussed the complications of trans-jurisdictional regulation of cyberspace and their implications for users, particularly Iranians.Conclusions: Given the dynamic nature of societies, norms, and cultures, effective governance of cyberspace and cultural practices should account for sociocultural dynamics.

Background: Social media platforms are increasingly used in healthcare to provide psychosocial support to cancer patients. Despite global enthusiasm, concerns about misinformation and emotional vulnerability persist. In Iran, cultural and regulatory contexts add complexity to this dynamic, necessitating a localized understanding of healthcare providers’ perspectives. Aims: This study aims to explore Iranian oncology nurses’ perceptions of the benefits and risks associated with hospitalized cancer patients' use of social media, and to identify factors influencing these perceptions. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 131 oncology nurses from various hospitals in Iran, primarily in Tehran. Participants completed a structured questionnaire assessing demographics, life satisfaction, personal social media use, and perceptions of social media's impact on patient morale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and path analysis. Results: Overall, nurses held a positive view of social media’s role in enhancing patient morale, with a mean perception score of 7.1/10. Younger nurses and those with junior professional ranks exhibited more favorable attitudes. Personal social media usage positively correlated with optimistic perceptions, while life satisfaction showed a weak but significant positive association. Path analysis indicated that daily social media usage and younger age were the strongest predictors of positive perceptions. Some nurses, however, expressed concerns about misinformation and patient vulnerability. Conclusions: The findings highlight the generally favorable yet nuanced attitudes of Iranian oncology nurses toward social media use by cancer patients. Efforts to enhance digital literacy among healthcare providers and culturally sensitive strategies are recommended to maximize social media’s psychosocial benefits while mitigating associated risks.

Background: Throughout history, humans have consistently developed groundbreaking technologies, from fire and the wheel to modern computing, showcasing their ability to innovate and control their creations. The rise of artificial intelligence has sparked renewed concerns about whether machines might eventually surpass human intelligence and autonomy.Aims: This study aims to critically assess AI’s role in human society, particularly addressing concerns that it may surpass human control and agency. It seeks to demonstrate that while AI is a powerful tool, it lacks autonomy, self-augmentation, and intentionality, making it unlikely to replace human decision-making. Additionally, the paper examines historical technological advancements, showing how humans have always adapted and controlled new innovations.Methodology: Employing a historical-comparative methodology, this study traces the evolution of computing technologies from early tally systems to quantum computing. It incorporates philosophical analysis through the works of Hubert Dreyfus, John Searle, and Michael Tomasello, assessing AI’s limitations in replicating human cognition.Findings: The study finds that despite AI’s rapid advancements, it remains fundamentally dependent on human input, lacks true understanding, and is incapable of independent self-enhancement. The historical trajectory of technological progress demonstrates that while new technologies can disrupt societies, humans have consistently adapted and maintained control. Philosophical critiques of AI further reinforce the argument that intelligence is not solely computational but deeply rooted in embodiment, intuition, and shared intentionality—qualities that AI lacks.Conclusions: Concerns about AI overwhelming human agency are largely misplaced. Just as humanity has managed previous technological revolutions—including writing, mechanization, and computing—AI will be integrated and regulated according to human needs and ethical considerations. While vigilance is necessary, the myth of AI autonomy is exaggerated.

Background: With the rapid digital transformation across the African continent, ensuring the protection of personal data through effective regulatory frameworks is crucial. Key regulations, including Nigeria’s Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) and the African Union’s Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection, have been enacted to address growing concerns about data privacy and cybersecurity.Aims: This literature review critically examines the impact of data privacy regulations on cybersecurity practices in Nigeria and across Africa, focusing on empirical studies that highlight the interplay between regulation enforcement and cybersecurity outcomes.Methodology: This review synthesizes empirical studies that explore the effectiveness of these regulations in improving cybersecurity practices in both public and private sectors.Results: Empirical research from Nigeria indicates that while the NDPR has led to some positive changes in organizational data protection strategies, challenges in enforcement, resource allocation, and awareness continue to hinder its full impact. Studies reveal that small to medium enterprises (SMEs) face difficulties in complying with the regulations due to a lack of capacity and knowledge. Similarly, research across several African countries shows a significant gap in both the implementation of data privacy laws and the cybersecurity measures required to mitigate emerging threats, such as ransomware and data breaches. Furthermore, empirical evidence highlights that varying levels of regulatory enforcement across the continent result in inconsistent cybersecurity practices, leading to vulnerabilities in the digital infrastructure. The review also explores empirical findings on the socio-economic and political barriers that affect the successful enforcement of data privacy regulations, with particular focus on limited technical expertise, political instability, and insufficient resources for regulatory bodies. Additionally, studies suggest that there is a growing need for cross-border collaboration and capacity building to bridge the regulatory gaps and improve overall cybersecurity resilience.Conclusion: Empirical evidence underscores the need for stronger regulatory frameworks and greater cooperation across African nations to enhance the protection of personal data and fortify cybersecurity practices across the region. Recommendations for future policy development are provided, based on the insights gained from existing empirical studies.