The Role of Social Media in Shaping Public Opinion: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Social media has influenced how communication, information, and opinions are developed and shared for political, social, cultural, and public health topics. With the rise of digital platforms in the media, it has become increasingly important to grasp how digital platforms are impacting public opinion. In this study, the literature is reviewed systematically, and existing literature is examined to reveal the mechanism through which social media has affected public opinions and to recognize the opportunities and challenges of social media. All sources of information used in the review have been accessed from the major academic databases: peer-reviewed journal articles, books, policy documents and reports. The results suggest that social media can influence the public opinion by agenda setting, framing, user engagement and algorithm curating of information. As a means to encourage civic engagement, public awareness, and democratic engagement, it also gives a boost to misinformation, echo chambers, and political polarization. The study finds that improving the benefits of social media use calls for increased digital literacy, ethical communication practices, transparent management of the platforms and effective policy interventions.

Keywords: Social Media, Public Opinion, Digital communication, Agenda-setting, Framing, Misinformation, Political communication, Systematic Review.