Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of virtual-oriented lifestyle on sports participation motivation and academic performance among male junior high school students in Mahabad.

Method: This study was descriptive-correlational in terms of research method, applied in terms of purpose, quantitative in terms of data nature, and cross-sectional in terms of time. The statistical population included 2,582 junior high school students (1,364 boys and 1,218 girls) in Mahabad, from which a sample of 340 students was selected using multistage cluster random sampling. To measure virtual-oriented lifestyle, sports participation motivation, and academic performance, the standardized questionnaires of Taheri (2014), Faraji et al. (2014), and Faam & Taylor (1999) were used. Data distribution was examined using skewness and kurtosis indices, and structural modeling analysis was performed using AMOS software.

Results: The results showed that virtual-oriented lifestyle explained 82% of the variance in sports participation motivation and 29% of the variance in academic performance. Furthermore, this variable had a positive and significant effect on both sports participation motivation and academic performance at a 99% confidence level.

Conclusion: The virtual-oriented lifestyle established a positive and significant relationship with two important domains, namely sports participation motivation and academic performance. This indicates that conscious and purposeful use of virtual space can enhance physical activity and improve students’ academic outcomes. Virtual space acts as a platform for knowledge transfer, healthy lifestyle modeling, and raising awareness of the importance of sports and education. Part of this content, including social networks, sports programs, and online educational courses, can positively influence students, and access to various educational and sports resources makes them more aware and active in these two domains. However, the positive relationship is not applicable to all students, and the type of utilization and proper guidance of virtual space determines its effectiveness.