Iranian Youth and the Internet: – Six Voices on Internet Use beyond the Public and Private Spheres –

Sammanfattning: Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979 Iran is ruled by a theocratic government. Information about the outside world is controlled and a non-Islamic way of life is prohibited in public Iran. However mediums of communication like the Internet are crossing borders as Internet is relatively free. This means that people can avoid restrictions in the public and the private sphere by entering the Internet. With an explorative method we have interviewed six Iranian youths in order to study their use of the Internet and how their perception of society is influenced by their Internet use. We claim that the Internet creates a virtual sphere which is a new forum for identity building and expression, as the Internet opens up for increased communication between individuals. Above this we believe that the Internet, as an alternative provider of information affects the balance of power in society. This thesis is focusing on the perspective of the Iranian youth as they historically have been the main cultural, economical and political force of change within the Iranian society.