Iranian Institute for Social & Cultural Research Journal of Iranian Cultural Research 2008-1847 17 4 2024 12 21 The dual-spacization and representation of national identity on Instagram The dual-spacization and representation of national identity on Instagram 5 30 532 10.22035/jicr.2024.3367.3632 FA S.R Ameli Professor of Communication, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran S. Nazemi PhD Candidate, Iranian Studies, Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran, Iran 0009-0001-7827-1818 Sh. Sabbar Assistant Professor of Iranian Studies, Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran, Iran 0000-0001-5801-7137 Journal Article 2024 09 14 The communication and information revolution has created a new space of human existence that lies outside the old concept of time and space i.e. free of borders and is rapidly changing our world. The second space, that is, virtual is constantly developing and expanding, conceptualizing, producing and disseminating content, and intertwining itself with the natural world. This article combines the dual spacization and representation theories to identify how national identity, as the highest and most significant, is represented in the virtual space. By adopting the critical discourse analysis method alongside grounded theory, our examination of Instagram posts identifies a confrontation between Iranian and Islamic identities and a need for greater convergence and interaction between these two identities to achieve a moderate, balanced identity that fosters national cohesion and harmony. Targeted strategies and policies pursued by political and other relevant institutions, in particular micro and macro planning of the use of virtual space, will bring Iranian and Islamic identities closer together, offering an Iranian-Islamic identity that more effectively represents Iran's culture and civilization.‌‌‌ The communication and information revolution has created a new space of human existence that lies outside the old concept of time and space i.e. free of borders and is rapidly changing our world. The second space, that is, virtual is constantly developing and expanding, conceptualizing, producing and disseminating content, and intertwining itself with the natural world. This article combines the dual spacization and representation theories to identify how national identity, as the highest and most significant, is represented in the virtual space. By adopting the critical discourse analysis method alongside grounded theory, our examination of Instagram posts identifies a confrontation between Iranian and Islamic identities and a need for greater convergence and interaction between these two identities to achieve a moderate, balanced identity that fosters national cohesion and harmony. Targeted strategies and policies pursued by political and other relevant institutions, in particular micro and macro planning of the use of virtual space, will bring Iranian and Islamic identities closer together, offering an Iranian-Islamic identity that more effectively represents Iran's culture and civilization.‌‌‌ http://www.jicr.ir/article_532_298f95e1bf9136124592c8d4825a06fc.pdf