The application of virtual social media in enhancing public participation in urban management; Exploring the experience and perceptions of Tehran`s urban managers

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 M.A. in Urban Management, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Iran University of Art, Tehran, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Iran University of Art, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Social media platforms have emerged as significant tools in urban management, enabling increased interaction between citizens and city managers. This study aims to explore the role of social media in enhancing citizen participation in urban management, focusing on the experiences of urban managers in Tehran. The research employs a mixed-methods approach to collect data and better understand the perceptions of city managers and citizens, utilizing interviews and social media monitoring. The interviews were conducted in a semi-structured manner with city managers, journalists, and urban activists who act as liaisons between the public and city managers. A total of 17 participants were interviewed. The analysis of concepts in the coding framework was carried out at three levels of abstraction using MAXQDA software. The study also aims to create a model for monitoring social media platforms to improve urban participation by analyzing the communication dynamics between city managers and citizens. It examines how city managers engage with residents through platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) and assesses user interactions with their content. The research focused on 15 senior city managers, including council members and individuals in executive roles, to ensure diverse representation. Monitoring took place over two three-month periods, comparing the social media activities of both current and former city managers during their terms. The findings reveal significant insights into the opportunities and challenges of social media usage in Tehran's urban management. On the one hand, many city managers primarily use social media platforms as tools for broadcasting information, relying on one-way communication that limits dialogue and interaction. This approach often stems from a lack of training and awareness about the participatory potential of these platforms. On the other hand, citizens exhibit a strong interest in using social media platforms to voice their opinions, share concerns, and collaborate on problem-solving. Platforms such as Instagram and X have emerged as spaces where citizens discuss urban issues, propose solutions, and hold city managers accountable. The study identifies obstacles to citizen participation, such as a lack of media literacy, limited awareness of civic rights, and distrust toward city management. At the macro level, strategies employed by city managers on social media platforms such as controlling information, targeting journalists and activists, engaging in populist behavior, suppressing critics, and using one-sided communication have contributed to citizens' lack of trust and disengagement from social responsibilities. The study highlights the importance of participation in urban management and how the lack of a participatory mechanism has led to negative consequences. This includes voluntary passivity among city managers and increased distrust and passivity among citizens. The findings reveal a significant gap between citizens and the central government, posing challenges to citizen participation in Tehran's city management. Additionally, filtering and access restrictions on these platforms have widened that gap. A lack of transparency and the misuse of social media platforms by profit-driven individuals further exacerbate this issue. The study emphasizes the importance of city managers being aware of how they use social media and adopting the right strategies to build trust and encourage citizen participation.

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References

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Journal of Architecture and Urban Planning
Volume 18, Issue 48
September 2025
Pages 4-29

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