Social media's impact on community building and social movements
University of Edinburgh MA Social Policy and Economics, United Kingdom.
Magna Scientia Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 13(02), 175-187
Article DOI: 10.30574/msarr.2025.13.2.0056
Publication history:
Received on 13 March 2025; revised on 22 April 2025; accepted on 25 April 2025
Abstract:
This study explores the transformative role of social media in community building and social movements, focusing on platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Through a mixed-methods approach combining surveys, interviews, and content analysis, the research examines how social media facilitates collective action, fosters online communities, and amplifies marginalized voices. Key findings reveal that social media serves as a powerful tool for mobilization, with 55% of participants engaging in movements like #BlackLivesMatter and #MeToo. However, challenges such as misinformation, algorithmic bias, and performative activism ("slacktivism") undermine its potential. The study highlights the dual nature of social media as both an empowering platform for digital solidarity and a space fraught with ethical dilemmas. Practical recommendations are provided for activists, policymakers, and platform designers to enhance the effectiveness and inclusivity of digital activism.
Keywords:
Social Media; Digital Activism; Community Building; Social Movements; Misinformation; Algorithmic Bias; Online Harassment; #Blacklivesmatter; #Metoo
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Copyright © 2025 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0