The Impact of Location-Based Applications on Citizens' Social Participation in Urban and Social Activities (Case Study: Marvdasht City)

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Article (Applied - Development)

Authors

1 PhD Student of Urban Geography and Planning, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran.

2 Associate Professor in Department of Geography, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran

10.22103/JUSG.2027.2198

Abstract

Introduction: Location-based applications (LBAs) enhance social participation by redefining civic interactions and place attachment. However, in developing cities, their potential remains limited by the digital divide and instrumental use. This study examines the relationship between LBA functions (information sharing, interaction, place discovery/recommendation, local networking) and social participation components (awareness, interaction, solidarity, collective action) in Marvdasht.
Data and Method: This descriptive-analytical study collected data via a Likert-scale questionnaire from 384 Marvdasht citizens aged ≥15. Given non-normal data distribution (p<0.001), Spearman’s correlation, one-sample and independent t-tests, and one-way ANOVA were employed.
Results: Place discovery/recommendation" strongly correlated with "interaction/networking" (ρ=0.850, p<0.001) and "local awareness" (ρ=0.823), whereas "local networking" showed the weakest association (ρ=0.462). All dimension means exceeded the neutral point (p<0.001). Comparative tests revealed no significant gender or educational differences (p>0.05). However, 85% of citizens exhibited low-to-medium digital literacy.
Conclusion: Enhancing social participation in Marvdasht requires transitioning from instrumental (e.g., navigation) to civic (e.g., reporting, collective action) LBA use. Urban planning must prioritize improving digital literacy, designing participatory modules, and ensuring institutional responsiveness to transform digital interactions into sustainable social solidarity.

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Journal of Urban Social Geography

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 21 March 2027

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History

  • Receive Date: 12 April 2026
  • Revise Date: 20 June 2026
  • Accept Date: 01 August 2026

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