Social Media And Collective Identity Formation

Abstract

This paper examines how social media platforms facilitate collective identity formation and political mobilization among marginalized groups. Drawing on social identity theory, networked social movement theory, and digital activism scholarship, this study analyzes the mechanisms through which online communities shape resistance movements. The research demonstrates that social media creates liminal spaces where marginalized individuals construct shared narratives, develop collective consciousness, and coordinate political action. Through algorithmic amplification and network effects, digital platforms enable rapid mobilization while simultaneously creating new challenges for sustaining long-term movements. The findings reveal that collective identity formation on social media operates through four key stages: awareness, organization, action, and sustainability. This research contributes to understanding how digital technologies transform the landscape of social movements by lowering barriers to participation, enabling transnational solidarity, and creating counter-publics that challenge dominant narratives. The paper concludes by examining implications for democratic participation, social justice advocacy, and the evolving relationship between technology and resistance politics.