دانشگاه اصفهان پژوهش های راهبردی مسائل اجتماعی 3041-8623 15 3 2026 09 23 Examining the Relationship between Presence in Cyberspace and Family Performance Using a Meta-Analysis Method بررسی رابطه بین حضور در فضای مجازی و عملکرد خانواده: به شیوه فراتحلیل 61 80 30296 10.22108/srspi.2026.146443.2149 FA زهرا محربی دانشجوی دکتری گروه علوم اجتماعی، دانشکده علوم اجتماعی، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، واحد دهاقان، ایران سید علی هاشمیان فر دانشیار گروه علوم اجتماعی دانشکده ادبیات وعلوم انسانی دانشگاه اصفهان، اصفهان، ایران سید ناصر حجازی استادیار گروه علوم اجتماعی، دانشکده علوم اجتماعی، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی واحد دهاقان، دهاقان، ایران Journal Article 2025 11 25 <strong>Introduction</strong><br />The growth of new technologies, along with the increased use of the Internet and social networks, has significantly impacted family interactions within cyberspace. While these advancements have facilitated relationships by enhancing communication across geographical distances, excessive or imbalanced use of this virtual space has led to a decline in the quality of family interactions and reduced time spent together. Specifically, excessive engagement in cyberspace can diminish face-to-face interactions, lower marital satisfaction, and increase family conflicts. Research highlights that the effects of cyberspace on families are both positive and negative. Some studies reveal benefits, such as enhanced knowledge, greater social interactions, reduced physical distance between couples, and improved communication skills. In contrast, other research points to decreased communication quality, threats to intimacy, and heightened family conflict. Given these mixed findings, it is crucial to conduct an in-depth examination of how the amount and type of cyberspace usage relate to family functioning. Meta-analysis as a comprehensive method can integrate and assess the results of various studies, providing insights into the true effects of cyberspace use on key indicators of family functioning.<br /> <br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Materials & Methods</strong><br />This research employed a meta-analysis method aimed at investigating the relationship between cyberspace presence and its impact on family functioning. For data analysis, effect sizes (r, Cohen’s d) were calculated and combined using the random effects model. Additionally, the average effect estimate and heterogeneity analysis were conducted to identify variations between studies. Subgroup analyses were performed based on the type and amount of cyberspace use. Ultimately, 66 studies focused on the amount of use and 17 studies on the type of use were selected for inclusion.<br /> <br /><strong>Discussion of Results & Conclusion</strong><br />The findings indicated that the combined effect size of the relationship between cyberspace presence—considering the type of usage—and its impact on family functioning was 10%, which was statistically significant at the level of p<0.05p < 0.05p<0.05. However, this value was considered low according to the correlation effect size table (r<0.1). Additionally, the overall effect size for the impact of cyberspace usage on family functioning was found to be -0.274. The results further revealed that the amount of cyberspace use had the most substantial effect on reducing marital satisfaction. This suggested that the degree of use was more influential on couples’ relationships than the type of usage. The findings underscored that the impact of cyberspace on family functioning was determined by both the intensity and duration of use, as well as the nature of activities engaged in online. Excessive use, particularly for entertainment purposes, was linked to significant negative effects on family dynamics. It was clear that social networks presented both opportunities and threats; while they could facilitate social support within families, they might also diminish face-to-face interactions. Embracing the presence of social networks appears inevitable. However, with careful planning and mindful usage, these technologies can serve as tools to strengthen family identity and values. A considerable portion of the reviewed studies highlighted that the psychological consequences of cyberspace usage were crucial for understanding family functioning. The research indicated that increased anxiety, depression, and psychological stress stemming from excessive social media use could undermine family cohesion, intimacy, and overall effectiveness. This pattern was particularly significant in families where one member, especially adolescents, demonstrated high-risk behavior regarding cyberspace usage. امروزه فضای مجازی تأثیر گسترده‎‌ای بر ابعاد زندگی افراد به‌ویژه عملکرد آنان در خانواده دارد و ازآنجایی‌که خانواده مبنا و بستری است که افراد برای حضور در اجتماع و جامعه نوع عملکردشان را از آن به عاریه می‌گیرند، بنابراین در این پژوهش تأثیر میزان و نوع استفاده از فضای مجازی بر عملکرد خانواده به شیوۀ فراتحلیل بررسی شد؛ بدین منظور از بین پژوهش‎‌های مرتبط بین سال‎‌های 1390-1401 تعداد 83 پژوهش انتخاب شد که ازنظر روش‎‌شناختی ملاک‎‌های لازم برای ورود به فراتحلیل را داشتند و با استفاده از روش مقایسه‎‌ای (همبستگی) نرم‌افزارCMA-3 تحلیل شدند. یافته‎‌ها نشان داد که میزان استفاده از فضای مجازی 274/0و نوع استفاده به میزان 1/0 بر عملکرد خانواده تأثیرگذار است که برحسب جدول تفسیری اندازۀ اثرکوهن میزان استفاده کمتر از متوسط و نوع استفاده به میزان خیلی کم می‎‌تواند بر عملکرد کلی خانواده اثرگذار باشد. یافته‌ها حاکی‌ازآن بود که میزان استفاده از فضای مجازی بیشترین تأثیر را بر کاهش رضایت زناشویی دارد. این یافته نشان می‌دهد که میزان استفاده از فضای مجازی بیش از هرچیزی بر رابطۀ زوجین تأثیرگذار است؛ علاوه‌براین میزان استفاده بسیار بااهمیت‌تر از نوع استفاده از این فضای مجازی است. https://ssoss.ui.ac.ir/article_30296_e843015d55285d92b06f6bd877a754c9.pdf