Abstract 

Over the past twenty years there has been an almighty change in both the digital and social landscape. The emergence of social platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and more recently TikTok has completely altered the way in which people interact and more so the way in which people form social identities and form a sense of belonging. In my opinion social media has become much a tool to create a sense of belonging among users, a tool to create and shape collective identity much rather than a tool that creates division. (Buehler E. M. 2017) As a byproduct of Web 2.0, social media fundamentally changed nearly everyone’s lifestyle.The change from Web 1.0 to then Web 2.0 has made for a better experience for users, it means users are now each presented with different perspectives based on their personal network, interests and interactions, among other characteristics processed by various online platforms to promote social interaction. People may now meet, trade, and seek knowledge beyond geographical boundaries thanks to social media, creating this sense of belonging. By analysing existing research and other findings, this paper seeks to answer the question, does social media seek to bring us together or drive us apart? (Swaroop, 2024) 

Introduction 

Has Social platforms play a role in creating a sense of belonging?  As part of this piece I intend to take a well informed view on this topic, with a large amount of research, taking into account both research papers and opinion pieces and also taking into account both the for and against. Teenagers and young people in developed nations all over the world rely heavily on social media for communication. According to Carr and Hayes (2015) and Ellison et al. (2007), social media is a communication format in which users create profiles, produce content, and/or communicate and maintain relationships with other users through online platforms or other digital media (such as applications). Social media can be used by participants to meet new people and engage with those they currently know. Additionally, it serves as a tool for media consumption and a variety of other activities that differ depending on the location (Buehler, 2017; Byron et al., 2019; Ellison et al., 2007). 
Over 90% of young people use social media on a regular basis. Numerous elements, such as personality type, usage frequency, and other people’s reactions, influence whether social media promotes or hinders healthy social relationships. Social scientists and mental health specialists should pay attention to the quickly developing subject of social media use and how it affects young people’s socialisation. Time-series or longitudinal research is also needed, as are studies that examine how social media use varies by culture. Currently there has been a boom in research and discussion around this topic, especially in the past few years. Social media only continues to grow with research and studies looking to answer questions such as this one only increasing.  Social platforms ever changing landscape has made it clear that they do indeed promote a sense of belonging rather then the negative look on things, social platforms are making it easier to build online communities around common identities or experiences. People who might feel excluded in their offline life can find support and a sense of belonging in these virtual spaces. 

Methodology 

Through countless hours of research and a large array of sources, the research aspect is one of the most important parts of trying to answer the question as to whether or not social media platforms act as an avenue to promote a sense of belonging. With  many researchers hoping to answer this question. The landscape of social media technology is changing quickly, which makes it difficult for researchers and clinicians to comprehend how it affects people’s mental development. (Smith, Et Al, 2020) Through my research to date, although as it may be difficult as mentioned, so far my research has without a doubt led to the fact that social media platforms are indeed promoting a sense of belonging rather then division amongst it’s users. In short, the main takeaways from my research is the relationship between Web 2.0 and social media platforms in creating a sense of belonging. The core of the new generation of technology (Web 2.0) that allowed millions of people to interact online and create content for the wild Web is “being social.” Users and members can write articles, share images and videos, take part in debates, leave messages, and meet and connect with friends and/or family online on these websites, or a mix of these features. Web 2.0 is the socialised web, to put it another way. As mentioned due to the everchanging landscape researchers do find it increasingly hard to answer this question. Social media trends and platforms are changing as we speak, therefore changing the way in which these platforms can be used as an avenue for the promotion of belonging. Confirmation that social media platforms are, in fact, fostering a sense of belonging was one of the research’s consistent conclusions. (Smith,et al 2021)  Online users develop and perform collective selfhood by strategically and effectively utilising the affordances offered by platforms and technologies. It highlights the importance of norm consensulization, emotional alignment, and community growth as recursive dynamic processes that, when working in harmony, offer a useful foundation for social identities. Overall I believe from the research that I have  undertaken it has it has only greater supported my argument regarding this question. It continues to reaffirm that social media does indeed promote a sense of belonging and community. In short one of the main takeaways, that many of my chosen research articles and opinion pieces had it common was the role of Web 2.0 in fostering a sense of belonging/ community for its members. The core of the new generation of technology (Web 2.0) that allowed millions of people to interact online and create content for the wild Web is “social.” Users and members of these websites can submit articles, share images and videos, take part in debates, send messages, and meet and connect with friends and/or family online, among other services. (Smith,et al 2021) 

Results and discussion. 

As previously mentioned the results from my research concluded to my argument, reaffirming the argument that social media is indeed a legitimate and positive tool for users to create communities and promote a sense of belonging. The first main takeaway from my research that reaffirms social media as a tool to promote belonging is the algorithm. An algorithm is a set of guidelines created to carry out activities, solve particular issues, or reach choices. Algorithms in computer programming control the computer’s operations, including object identification, data location, and element sorting. In order to suggest pertinent groups, pages, and users, social media companies employ complex algorithms that examine user behavior, including posts, likes, comments, and shared content. These Algorithms provide customised feeds that frequently feature content related to a user’s passions, values, or interests. This makes it simpler for users to feel a part of the groups they belong to by encouraging them to locate people who have similar interests or viewpoints. (Adisa, 2023) The second takeawy is the role of social media in fostering community and belonging through hashtags and groups. The main example of this would be groups such as the LGBTQ+. For LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and other sexual and/or gender minority) youth, social media platforms provide vital chances to improve their well-being by interacting with others, exploring their identities, and gaining access to resources. By enabling LGBTQ+ youth to curate their online presence in a safe environment, social media helps with identity construction and communication amongst these users and the forging of groups. (Craig, et al, 2021) The LGBTQ community has also been able to use social media as a platform for belonging through challenging times, in particular the use of social media in the face of political opression. In countries where being apart of this certain community may be seen as bad or even ilegal, people are compelled to use social media in many of these nations in order to communicate with one another and create communities. Additionally, these sites are essential resources for publishing advocacy and activity. In the past, several trends have been employed to support LGBTQ members who are being mistreated and provide them with consolation during trying times. (Brandle, et al, 2023)  

With this being said there is a counter argument, the main argument being some of the ways in which social media can divide society. In the light of social media promoting the feeling of belonging for LGTBQ members it can also divide greater society through things such as hate speech. It can make these people feel together while also feel so alone. In addition to offering a forum for hate speech and harmful conduct, social media can intensify cyberbullying and online harassment. Social media’s anonymity and distance might lead people to participate in risky behaviours that they might not otherwise undertake in person, which can be emotionally upsetting and sour interpersonal connections. Another point of contention is how simple it is to disseminate false information on social media. False information can travel quickly, causing propaganda, fake news, and conspiracy theories to proliferate. This false information has the potential to exacerbate societal differences, erode institutional trust, and spark civil instability. (Craig, 2021) 
 
Interpretation 

From these takeaways and findings from this array of research the findings are clear social media is a legitimate tool in promoting a sensing of belonging, these findings clearly indicate that social media is orchestrating ways for people to socialise and interact with like minded people, forming these relationships make people feel as if they belong even when in previous times they havent been able to. It encourages group action for social reasons and helps bring significant concerns to the public’s attention. Social media makes it simpler for people to feel like they belong to a wider group by strengthening ties and fostering a sense of belonging. With much of the research reaffirming this it does make me come to the conclusion that social media rather then promote division, from my research it concludes that all things have a negative side and this glass half empty approach on things, the viewpoint that it is dividing people is seeing the bad in things. While yes at times social media can divide people I believe that in contrast the way in which it creates a sense of belonging esspeically for those that need it outweighs the negative view point. 

In conclusion, Social media’s emergence over the past 20 years apart of Web 2.0 has brought many changes to the way in which people interact and socialise, with this it raises the question, is social media promoting a sense of belonging or contributing towards division? From my independating research I can confidently say social media is being used as a positive tool to promote belonging and promotion of communities. With this being said what does the future hold? Will people continue to unite or will people be pushed further apart?