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Digital Activism and Collective Identity: A Systematic Literature Review of Social Media’s Role in Contemporary Social Movements

Author

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  • Vania Utamie Subiakto

    (Communication Science Study Program, Indonesian Science University, Communication Science Study Program, Mercu Buana University, Communication Science Study Program, Undira University)

  • Syerli Haryati

    (Communication Science Study Program, Indonesian Science University, Communication Science Study Program, Mercu Buana University, Communication Science Study Program, Undira University)

  • Maksimus Ramses Lalongkoe

    (Communication Science Study Program, Indonesian Science University, Communication Science Study Program, Mercu Buana University, Communication Science Study Program, Undira University)

Abstract

The digital transformation has reshaped the landscape of social movements, with social media emerging as a vital arena for the practice of digital activism. This study aims to systematically examine how social media contributes to the formation of collective identity within contemporary social movements. Utilizing the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method, this research analyzes 60 selected scholarly articles published between 2013 and 2024 from various international academic databases. The findings reveal that social media functions as a symbolic space that facilitates identity negotiation, solidarity building, and collective action mobilization. However, the collective identity formed through digital media tends to be fluid, susceptible to fragmentation, and heavily influenced by platform algorithms. Moreover, significant research gaps remain, particularly in the context of the Global South, along with a lack of interdisciplinary theoretical integration. This review underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the complex interplay between digital technology, social dynamics, and collective identity formation. The results not only contribute to the theoretical advancement of communication studies and social movement research but also offer practical insights for activists and policymakers in designing more effective and inclusive digital communication strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Vania Utamie Subiakto & Syerli Haryati & Maksimus Ramses Lalongkoe, 2025. "Digital Activism and Collective Identity: A Systematic Literature Review of Social Media’s Role in Contemporary Social Movements," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(7), pages 3383-3390, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-7:p:3383-3390
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Liping Liu & Chih-Cheng Fang, 2020. "Accelerating the Social Media Process: The Impact of Internet Celebrity Word-of-Mouth Communication and Relationship Quality on Consumer Information Sharing," International Journal of Human Resource Studies, Macrothink Institute, vol. 10(1), pages 201222-2012, December.
    2. Carmen Leong & Shan L. Pan & Shamshul Bahri & Ali Fauzi, 2019. "Social media empowerment in social movements: power activation and power accrual in digital activism," European Journal of Information Systems, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 28(2), pages 173-204, March.
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