Social Media + Society

Scope & Guideline

Unpacking the Influence of Social Media on Our Lives

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of Social Media + Society with our comprehensive guidelines detailing its aims and scope. This page is your resource for understanding the journal's thematic priorities. Stay abreast of trending topics currently drawing significant attention and explore declining topics for a full picture of evolving interests. Our selection of highly cited topics and recent high-impact papers is curated within these guidelines to enhance your research impact.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN2056-3051
PublisherSAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD
Support Open AccessYes
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2015 to 2024
AbbreviationSOC MEDIA SOC / Soc. Med. Soc.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address1 OLIVERS YARD, 55 CITY ROAD, LONDON EC1Y 1SP, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Social Media + Society' focuses on the multifaceted implications of social media in contemporary society, emphasizing the intersection of technology, culture, and social behavior. It aims to provide a platform for robust interdisciplinary research that examines how social media shapes and is shaped by societal dynamics.
  1. Social Media and Identity Construction:
    Research exploring how social media platforms facilitate identity formation, self-presentation, and the negotiation of personal and collective identities across various demographics.
  2. Political Communication and Activism:
    Investigations into social media's role in political discourse, activism, and public engagement, analyzing how online platforms influence political behavior and mobilization.
  3. Mental Health and Well-Being:
    Studies examining the impact of social media use on mental health, including both positive and negative effects, and how online interactions influence emotional well-being.
  4. Disinformation and Misinformation:
    Research focused on the spread of false information through social media, its implications for public opinion, trust in media, and strategies for combating misinformation.
  5. Cultural Practices and Community Building:
    Exploration of how social media fosters community, cultural practices, and social norms, including the role of memes, hashtags, and digital storytelling.
  6. Digital Governance and Platform Dynamics:
    Analysis of the governance structures of social media platforms, including content moderation, algorithmic biases, and the implications for user agency and freedom of expression.
The landscape of social media research is dynamic, with several emerging themes gaining traction in recent publications. These trends highlight the evolving nature of communication technologies and their societal implications.
  1. Intersectionality in Social Media Studies:
    An increasing focus on how social media intersects with various social identities, including race, gender, and sexuality, emphasizing the importance of diverse narratives and experiences.
  2. Mental Health Narratives and Support:
    Research exploring the role of social media in mental health discussions and support networks, particularly during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the platform's potential for fostering community and resilience.
  3. Influencer Culture and Digital Economy:
    A growing interest in the impact of influencers on consumer behavior, political discourse, and cultural trends, reflecting broader shifts in marketing and communication strategies.
  4. Digital Activism and Social Movements:
    Emerging studies on how social media facilitates grassroots activism, particularly in response to social justice movements, showcasing the platform's role in mobilizing support and awareness.
  5. Algorithmic Accountability and Ethics:
    An increasing emphasis on the ethical implications of algorithms that govern social media interactions, including concerns about bias, misinformation, and the need for transparency in platform governance.
  6. Technological Integration and Hybrid Spaces:
    Research focusing on the convergence of social media with other technologies (e.g., AI, VR) and how these integrations create new forms of interaction and community engagement.

Declining or Waning

While 'Social Media + Society' continues to explore a wide array of themes, certain areas of focus appear to be diminishing in prominence. This trend may reflect shifts in societal concerns or the evolving landscape of social media.
  1. Traditional Media Comparisons:
    Research comparing social media to traditional media has seen a decrease, possibly due to the growing integration of social media into mainstream communication channels and the diminishing relevance of traditional media in certain contexts.
  2. Basic User Engagement Metrics:
    Studies focusing on simplistic engagement metrics (likes, shares) are waning, as there is a shift toward more nuanced analyses of user behavior and interaction dynamics.
  3. Geographic and Cultural Specificity:
    Research that primarily examines social media phenomena in isolated geographic or cultural contexts is becoming less prevalent, as there is an increasing emphasis on global interconnectedness and comparative studies.
  4. Nostalgic Narratives of Early Social Media:
    Discussions centered around the early days of social media and its initial impacts are declining, as the focus shifts to current trends and future implications.
  5. Platform-Specific Studies:
    Research that solely concentrates on individual platforms without considering cross-platform dynamics is becoming less common, as scholars recognize the need for comprehensive analyses that account for user behavior across multiple platforms.

Similar Journals

Plaridel

Connecting Scholars, Inspiring Dialogue.
Publisher: UNIV PHILIPPINES DILIMANISSN: 1656-2534Frequency: 2 issues/year

Plaridel is an esteemed academic journal dedicated to the field of communication, published by the University of the Philippines Diliman. With the ISSN 1656-2534, this journal embraces a significant role in fostering scholarly dialogue and advancing research within the rapidly evolving landscape of communication studies. As one of the platforms in the Philippines, it aims to uplift local and international discourse by featuring innovative research, critical reviews, and theoretical explorations relevant to various facets of communication. Although currently rated in the Q4 quartile for 2023 in the Communication category, Plaridel's commitment to quality and scholarly rigor reflects a promising trajectory for future impact. The journal has been operational since 2018 and welcomes a wide array of contributions, especially from emerging scholars. Open access provides greater accessibility to researchers and enthusiasts, promoting broader engagement with the journal’s content. Plaridel holds an important place within the academic community, aspiring to elevate standards of communication research and practice in the Philippines and beyond.

JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION

Advancing the Art and Science of Communication.
Publisher: OXFORD UNIV PRESS INCISSN: 0021-9916Frequency: 6 issues/year

Welcome to the JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION, a premier academic publication in the fields of Communication and Linguistics, published by Oxford University Press Inc. Since its inception in 1951, this journal has been dedicated to fostering scholarly dialogue and advancing research in the dynamic landscape of communication studies. With an impressive impact factor and Q1 ranking in both Communication and Linguistics categories for 2023, it stands among the most influential journals, ranking 6th out of 1088 in Language and Linguistics and 10th out of 511 in Communication, reflecting its esteemed position in the academic community. The journal aims to publish innovative and rigorous research that explores the multifaceted dimensions of communication, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. Although it is not an open-access journal, readers can access the valuable insights and groundbreaking studies contained within its pages at Journals Dept, 2001 Evans Rd, Cary, NC, 27513, United States, ensuring that crucial findings and theoretical advancements remain within reach of those passionate about the field.

Signs and Society

Decoding Communication in a Complex World
Publisher: UNIV CHICAGO PRESSISSN: 2326-4489Frequency: 3 issues/year

Signs and Society is an acclaimed academic journal published by University of Chicago Press, specializing in the interdisciplinary exploration of semiotics, cultural representations, and communication practices. With an impressive ISSN of 2326-4489 and E-ISSN 2326-4497, this journal has established itself as a credible source of research and insight within its fields. It operates under a robust framework with a convergence of topics from 2015 to 2024, and has achieved notable rankings, including Q1 placements in Cultural Studies, Linguistics and Language, and Visual Arts and Performing Arts in 2023, elevating it to a leading status among its peers. The journal’s impact is reflected in its Scopus rankings, positioning it in high percentiles across diverse categories, making it a vital resource for scholars, practitioners, and students interested in the intricate relationships between signs, society, and culture. Although not an open access publication, Signs and Society remains essential for those seeking to deepen their understanding of communication dynamics and the multifaceted dimensions of cultural expression.

Review of Communication Research

Catalyzing Innovation in Communication Research
Publisher: REVIEW COMMUNICATION RESEARCHISSN: 2255-4165Frequency: 1 issue/year

Review of Communication Research is a prestigious open-access journal dedicated to advancing the field of communication studies. Published by REVIEW COMMUNICATION RESEARCH from its base in Madrid, Spain, this journal has established itself as a vital platform for scholarly discourse since its inception. With an impressive impact factor and ranked in the Q1 quartile of communication journals for 2023, it holds a commendable position, placing it within the top 13% of approximately 511 journals in the communication category on Scopus. Since becoming open-access in 2013, the journal has enabled researchers, professionals, and students to access high-quality research without financial barriers, thereby fostering a greater dissemination of knowledge and dialogue within the community. Covering a wide array of topics from communication theory to media studies, the Review of Communication Research continues to contribute significantly to the understanding and evolution of communication in today’s interconnected world. Researchers are encouraged to engage with and submit their findings to this influential journal to further enrich the scholarly landscape.

Popular Communication

Shaping the Future of Popular Communication Research
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1540-5702Frequency: 4 issues/year

Popular Communication, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, is a leading academic journal in the field of Communication, recognized for its Q1 ranking in the 2023 Scopus category. With an ISSN of 1540-5702 and an E-ISSN of 1540-5710, this journal has been converging significant research from 2010 to 2024, highlighting contemporary trends and evolving dynamics in popular communication practices. The journal is based in the United Kingdom and focuses on the intersection of media, culture, and communication, making it a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students interested in understanding the impact of communication in society today. Although it does not offer Open Access options, it remains a cornerstone for scholarly discourse, with an impressive rank of #96 out of 511 in Social Sciences Communication, placing it in the 81st percentile. Contributions to this journal play a critical role in advancing knowledge and encouraging further scholarship in the diverse realm of popular communication.

Communications-European Journal of Communication Research

Pioneering Research for a Dynamic Communication Landscape
Publisher: DE GRUYTER MOUTONISSN: 0341-2059Frequency: 4 issues/year

Communications-European Journal of Communication Research is a premier journal published by DE GRUYTER MOUTON, dedicated to fostering scholarly discourse in the field of communication studies. With a publication history spanning over four decades, from 1976 through to 2024, this journal serves as a vital resource for researchers and practitioners interested in the latest advancements and theoretical developments in communication. The journal is recognized for its rigorous peer-review process and has earned a commendable reputation, evidenced by its ranking in the Q2 quartile in both Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous) and Communication categories for 2023. Its Scopus rankings signify its relevance and impact, positioning it within the top quartile of the discipline's literature. Although not an open access journal, it provides access to a wide range of research that contributes significantly to the understanding of communication practices across diverse contexts. Scholars, professionals, and students alike will find a wealth of knowledge that not only sharpens their academic pursuits but also enriches practical applications in the communication landscape.

International Journal of Press-Politics

Exploring the Nexus of Media and Politics
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INCISSN: 1940-1612Frequency: 4 issues/year

The International Journal of Press-Politics, published by SAGE Publications Inc, stands as a premier scholarly platform at the intersection of communication, sociology, and political science. With a distinguished history dating back to its inception in 2003 and maintaining its relevance through 2024, this journal is recognized in the academic community for its rigorous exploration of the dynamics between the media and political processes. The journal proudly holds a Q1 ranking in both Communication and Sociology and Political Science categories, placing it in the top tier of its field, underscored by its impressive Scopus rankings, which reflect its global influence and reach. With an intention to foster innovative research and discourse, IJPP is committed to being accessible, contributing significantly to the understanding of how press and politics shape societal narratives, thus serving as an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. Explore this esteemed journal to engage with cutting-edge studies that drive the field forward.

Palabra Clave

Empowering Voices in Humanities and Communication
Publisher: UNIV SABANA, FAC COMUNICACIONISSN: 0122-8285Frequency: 1 issue/year

Palabra Clave is a leading open-access journal published by the UNIV SABANA, FAC COMUNICACION in Colombia, dedicated to advancing the fields of Arts and Humanities as well as Communication. Since its inception in 2001, the journal has committed to providing a platform for innovative research and critical discourse, garnering an impressive Q2 classification in both respective fields. The journal is indexed in Scopus, with a commendable ranking of #26 out of 173 in Arts and Humanities, representing the 85th percentile, and #263 out of 511 in the Communication category, indicating its significant impact within the academic community. With its converged years from 2012 to 2024, Palabra Clave encourages scholars, professionals, and students to engage with contemporary issues through a lens of interdisciplinary scholarship. Accessible through its open-access model, this journal fosters the democratization of knowledge and aims to connect researchers across the globe.

Online Journal of Communication and Media Technologies

Empowering Scholars in the Evolving World of Media Technologies
Publisher: Bastas Publications DOOISSN: 1986-3497Frequency: 4 issues/year

The Online Journal of Communication and Media Technologies, published by Bastas Publications DOO in Cyprus, stands as a crucial platform for scholars and practitioners in the rapidly evolving fields of communication, media, and technology. With an ISSN of 1986-3497, this journal addresses a diverse range of topics at the intersection of these disciplines, making significant contributions to both theoretical frameworks and practical applications. As a recognized entity in the academic community, it boasts impressive rankings in Scopus, such as Q2 in Communication and Q2 in Media Technology, illustrating its impact and relevance. Researchers will appreciate its open access model, which facilitates knowledge dissemination and engagement among audiences. By fostering a collaborative environment for innovative ideas and research findings, the journal not only advances academic inquiry but also supports the professional development of its readership in navigating the complexities of modern media landscapes. Aiming to bridge the gap between theory and practice, the Online Journal of Communication and Media Technologies is an essential resource for those who wish to stay at the forefront of communication and media research from 2019 through 2024.

Mass Communication and Society

Connecting Scholars to the Heart of Communication Studies
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1520-5436Frequency: 6 issues/year

Mass Communication and Society is an esteemed journal published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, focusing on the dynamic field of communication studies. With its ISSN 1520-5436 and E-ISSN 1532-7825, the journal has established itself as a leading platform for high-quality research since its inception. With a prestigious positioning in the Q1 category of Communication as of 2023, it ranks impressively at #45 out of 511 in Scopus within the social sciences communication sector, boasting a 91st percentile in its field. The journal serves as a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students interested in emergent issues, theories, and methodologies related to mass communication and its impact on society. Although it does not offer Open Access options, the journal remains committed to advancing scholarly discourse and providing rigorous insights into how communication shapes social dynamics. Since its converged years from 2008 to 2024, Mass Communication and Society continues to push the boundaries of knowledge in a rapidly evolving academic landscape, making it a must-read for anyone invested in the communication discipline.