The Role of Social Media in Sustainable Development: Investigating the Impact of Digital Entrepreneurship, Crowdfunding, Professional Networking, and Environmental Awareness Using ISM and PLS-SEM Models

Tajari GHarib Abadi, Zabih Ollah; Radfar, Majid; Salari, Mahshid

doi:10.22034/eir.2025.517388.1181

The Role of Social Media in Sustainable Development: Investigating the Impact of Digital Entrepreneurship, Crowdfunding, Professional Networking, and Environmental Awareness Using ISM and PLS-SEM Models

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

zabih ollah tajari GHarib Abadi ¹

majid Radfar ²

Mahshid Salari ³

¹ Ph.D. Student in Economic and Development Sociology, Faculty of Psychology and Social Sciences, Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran

² Professor,Department of Social Sciences,Roudehen University,Tehran,Iran. (Corresponding Author)

³ Assistant Professor, Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Social Sciences, Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran.

10.22034/eir.2025.517388.1181

Abstract

This study investigates the role of social media in fostering social and economic innovation with the aim of achieving sustainable development in the metropolis of Tehran. Employing a mixed-method approach combining Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM), the research analyzes the relationships among key variables including digital entrepreneurship, crowdfunding, professional networking, and environmental awareness. The statistical population consisted of 150 experts in the fields of social media, sustainable development, and digital entrepreneurship, selected through purposive sampling. The findings indicate that social media significantly influence the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. The ISM analysis revealed that “misinformation challenges” serve as a root variable affecting other components. Furthermore, the PLS-SEM results demonstrate that professional networking has the strongest impact on enhancing environmental awareness. The study emphasizes that effective utilization of social media for sustainable development requires strategic interventions such as combating misinformation, improving media literacy, and strengthening digital infrastructure. By presenting an integrated structural model, this research provides a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms through which social media contribute to sustainable development, offering valuable insights for informed policymaking in this domain.

Keywords

Digital Entrepreneurship

Social Innovation

Crowdfunding

Sustainable Development

Social Media

Subjects