Fourth International Conference on Communication & Media Studies

Abstract

This study explores telegram use in Iran. The question is why Iranians use telegrams as the main messenger in their daily lives after the government has filtered the telegram three times. The research hypothesis was that Iranian users were reluctant to leave the telegram because of a sense of security, free exchange of information, and social cohesion, and being in a network. The theoretical framework of the research is technology acceptance model. The findings indicate that the use of telegram in Iran does not depend on users demographic characteristics. Iranian feel safe using telegrams. They welcome the anonymity of the messenger so that they can freely express their political views and opinions. Freedom of information and a sense of social solidarity are also positive aspects of the telegram for Iranian users.