Introducing The Journal of Social Media

AOSIS is pleased to announce the launch of The Journal of Social Media, a pioneering open-access journal dedicated to the study of social media as a multidimensional phenomenon. This journal, led by Editor-in-Chief Dr. Kim Viljoen, emphasises research rooted in the Global South and promotes a multidisciplinary approach, bridging fields such as politics, education, digital ethics, AI, and sustainability. Researchers are invited to explore the journal’s scope and consider submitting their work to contribute to this vital and evolving field of study. There are currently no APCs (Article Processing Charges) for qualifying works. Learn more.

To provide deeper insights into the vision and goals of The Journal of Social Media, we spoke with Editor-in-Chief Dr. Kim Viljoen who answered questions about the journal’s unique focus and mission.

Question: Why did you create a new journal focused on social media studies?

Answer: While many journals publish research about social media, ours is the first dedicated entirely to social media as a multidimensional phenomenon with roots in the Global South. We don’t view social media as merely a communication tool, but as an ecosystem influencing politics, health, education, psychology, environmental behaviour, AI, and business. The interconnected nature of our world demands this integrated approach.

Question: How does the journal define social media?

Answer: We define social media as a constantly evolving digital ecosystem—it’s not just about platforms like Facebook or X, but also includes messaging apps, content-sharing tools, and even decentralised or AI-driven systems. It’s really about how people and institutions connect, communicate, and engage in digital life. We’re especially interested in how these technologies shape visibility, behaviour, and public discourse across different contexts, particularly in the Global South.

Question: What specific gaps does your journal address?

Answer: We address two critical gaps: fragmentation and representation. Currently, social media research is scattered across dozens of journals in separate disciplines, creating silos and missed opportunities. Additionally, most published research comes from the Global North. Our journal brings scholars into conversation across fields while zeroing in on work from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Question: What types of research do you accept?

Answer: We’re proudly multidisciplinary, spanning ten key areas from cyber behaviour and digital ethics to marketing, politics, education, AI, and sustainability. We welcome qualitative, quantitative, critical, and computational work. What unites all accepted submissions is relevance, rigor, and responsibility. Whether studying political mobilization on X, misinformation on WhatsApp, or climate discussions on TikTok, this journal provides a home for your research.

Question: How does your journal differ from existing publications in the field?

Answer: Unlike journals that remain anchored in specific traditions like media studies or communication, we’re built from the ground up for multidisciplinary work and rooted in Southern epistemologies. We’re not duplicating existing publications—we’re expanding the conversation to be more inclusive and comprehensive.

Question: Why is your open-access model so important?

Answer: Knowledge shouldn’t sit behind paywalls. Research should be accessible to everyone—academics, practitioners, journalists, students, and community leaders. In the Global South especially, where institutional subscriptions can be prohibitively expensive, open access is a matter of equity.

Question: How does the journal support researchers from the Global South?

Answer: Beyond our open-access model, we actively centre work emerging from and speaking to the Global South. We’re creating space for theories and frameworks that reflect the lived realities of these regions, rather than simply applying Western models. While we welcome international submissions, our agenda is intentionally Southern-led.

Question: What impact do you hope this journal will have?

Answer: We aim to reshape how the world understands social media by creating a space where innovation, critical inquiry, and inclusivity converge. By breaking down disciplinary silos and amplifying diverse voices, we hope to generate more nuanced, context-sensitive knowledge about digital platforms and their societal impacts.

Question: Why should researchers publish with you rather than more established journals?

Answer: We represent the next phase of social media research—bold, relevant, interdisciplinary, and inclusive. Publishing with us means your work is accessible worldwide, part of a growing international dialogue, and contributing to a journal with purpose. Here, digital research meets social change in meaningful new ways.

Question: Final message to prospective authors?

Answer: If you’re researching social media—from any disciplinary angle, in any context—join us in creating the journal the world needs right now. Visit our website, explore our scope, and submit your work. Together, we can build a more connected, inclusive scholarly conversation about one of the most transformative forces in modern society.

Quick links:

• Submission procedure
• Submission guidelines
• Publication fees (No APCs for qualifying works)
• Journal information
• Journal policies
• Reviewer guidelines
• Editorial Team

We look forward to receiving your manuscript in our journal.