Abstract
The present study was conducted with the aim of examining the impact of descriptor systems on citizens’ electronic participation, considering the mediating role of social media and electronic trust. In today’s world, the development of digital technologies and the expansion of electronic services have created new opportunities for citizens to interact with governmental institutions. However, the level of citizens’ electronic participation depends on several factors, including the quality of descriptor systems, the level of electronic trust, and the extent of social media use. This research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive‑survey in terms of methodology, with data collected through a standardized questionnaire. The statistical population consisted of citizens using electronic services, and sampling was carried out randomly. Structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the data.
The findings of the study showed that the use of descriptor systems has a positive and significant effect on citizens’ electronic participation. Moreover, the results indicated that social media and electronic trust act as mediating variables that strengthen this relationship; specifically, descriptor systems indirectly enhance electronic participation by increasing interaction on social media and improving users’ level of trust. In addition, the direct impact of social media and electronic trust on electronic participation was also confirmed.
Ultimately, the results highlight the importance of designing and implementing efficient descriptor systems, strengthening social media infrastructures, and enhancing citizens’ electronic trust. It is recommended that managers and policymakers focus on improving the quality of digital services, increasing information transparency, and expanding online interactions to foster greater electronic participation among citizens. This study can serve as a basis for future research in the field of digital governance and citizen participation.
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