The Role of Virtual Social Networks in the Relationships of Couples Referring to the Family Court

Information and commun Virtual social networks have become the most similar to human society with the process of information explosion that they have undertaken and have become an important and influencing factor in couples' relationships. The aim of the present study was to identify the role of virtual social space in the relationships of couples referring to the family court, especially its effect on the functioning of the family and their mental health. The current research was among qualitative researches and three types of open, central and selective coding were used to analyze the data. The statistical population of the current study included couples referring to family courts, who were purposefully sampled and interviewed. The tool used in the present study was a structured and semi-structured interview. From the analysis of the conducted interviews, 207 open codes were obtained, among which 8 main themes were extracted to express the lived experiences of the interviewees, which included: "Internet addiction", "covering the emotional and mental void", etc. The result of the study showed that social-virtual space plays an important role in the process of socialization and re-socialization of couples; which, along with other factors, stabilize different attitudes and thoughts and also have a significant impact on their mental health. In summary, it can be concluded that excessive use of media, especially social virtual space, can cause many harms, including excessive dependence on technology, separation and loneliness, internet addiction, depression and boredom, psychological, physical, economic, etc. be in pairs.and boredom, and psychological, physical issues in couplesIntroductionInformation and Communication Technology (ICT), particularly social media networks, has significantly enhanced its influence on family dynamics, owing to its evolving utilization objectives and its ever-growing penetration. The significance of these platforms is highlighted across the family unit, owing to their extensive presence. In fact, virtual social networks, with the exponential growth they have experienced, bear a striking resemblance to the human society at large, and thus, exert a significant influence on marital relations. Studies have demonstrated the pivotal role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the structure and daily routines of couples. In particular, its importance emerges in areas of communication, relationship development, education, w