Social media and society

Social media platforms have transformed communication, culture, and social interactions in ways that require serious attention. With billions of users engaging daily with platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, X and Instagram, digital spaces have become a central part of social life. As these technologies continue to evolve and influence many aspects of social life, researchers are faced with a “double-edged sword”: 1 On the one hand, social media are tools that offer remarkable opportunities for networking and democratic participation. On the other hand, they pose significant threats to social cohesion and democratic integrity. Against this background, this special issue examines the complex impact of these platforms on societal structures, individual behavior, and public discourse.