درخت حوزه‌های تخصصی

The Persian podcast “Radio Rah”, hosted by Mojtaba Shakouri, has become a highly popular audio program among Iranian audiences, particularly the younger generation. It has consistently ranked among the top three in most polls conducted on the most beloved podcasts. This article, using the method of thematic analysis, evaluates the content of this podcast’s episodes in order to determine what types of themes are currently favored by the Iranian public. According to the findings, Radio Rah is a podcast aimed at encouraging listeners to think critically and seek ways to live better lives. It appears to carry the mission of helping its audience cope with the sufferings of life. In the podcast, Mojtaba Shakouri explores complex philosophical and psychological concepts in a simple and fluent language. He makes these ideas more tangible and accessible by incorporating literary stories, music, and scientific articles. The most frequently recurring themes in the podcast include the necessity of a realistic outlook on life, the importance of positive practical actions in times of crisis, encouragement of self-awareness and self-knowledge, critique of modernity and consumerist culture, and emphasis on spiritual and emotional growth in life. Furthermore, through a thematic analysis of listeners’ comments on the Castbox platform, it was revealed that emotional resonance with the content, admiration for the quality of production, and acknowledgment of the podcast’s psychological and cognitive impact are the main reasons behind its widespread popularity.

ehran's metro street vendors represent a marginalized occupational minority within the capital city and, from a cultural standpoint, constitute a significant case study. In recent years, economic hardship has led to a noticeable increase in the number of street vendors operating within the metro system. These individuals interact daily with a wide range of passengers across various metro stations and, due to the official prohibition of vending in such spaces—as well as the stigmatizing attitudes held by some members of the public—they experience unique social conditions compared to the broader population. One of the key factors influencing individuals' perceptions of their social status and identity is the media. Among media platforms, virtual social networks hold a distinct position due to their interactive nature and high potential for user engagement. Statistics show that these networks have increasingly become primary sources of communication, information, and entertainment for the public.This qualitative study conducted semi-structured interviews with 13 street vendors in Tehran's metro system, exploring their engagement with various virtual social networks and the self-perceptions shaped through these interactions. The findings indicate that the vendors tend to develop a negative self-image through their experiences on these platforms and often do not receive a favorable representation of themselves within virtual social spaces.

Previous studies have predominantly examined the representation of artificial intelligence in fictional literature, revealing a notable gap in analyzing cinema as an influential medium. The period before 1990 marked the onset of fundamental shifts in communication technologies and the public’s perception of technology, while the era after 2010 witnessed artificial intelligence becoming widely integrated into everyday life. These two historical ruptures have generated significant semantic transformations in cinematic portrayals that demand precise comparative and theoretical analysisThis study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of the “representation of artificial intelligence” in world cinema during the periods before 1990 and after 2010. Its central research question investigates the conceptual, narrative, character-development, and cultural-discourse differences and similarities surrounding artificial intelligence across these two eras. Twenty films (ten from each period) were selected based on their global acclaim and the centrality of artificial intelligence in their narratives. These films were analyzed using Saussurean–Peircean semiotics alongside Stuart Hall’s constructivist approach. The findings indicate that pre-1990 cinema predominantly focused on the “threat of technology” and the “human–machine war,” whereas post-2010 works emphasize “ethical crises,” “human–machine emotional relationships,” and “responsible coexistence.” Nevertheless, in both periods, artificial intelligence consistently functions as a “challenging Other,” perceived both as a threat and as a mirror reflecting humanity’s desires, hopes, and fears. The results underscore the necessity of rethinking the cultural-communication discourse surrounding technology and the shared future of humans and machines.