Social Media And Islamic Discourse: A Bibliometric Study of Research Trends and Patterns

Abstract

This study combines bibliometric mapping and systematic review to explore how scholarship on social media and Islam has evolved between 2016 and 2025. Drawing on the Scopus database, 1498 publications were analyzed with the support of VOSviewer and Biblioshiny to trace patterns of growth, influential contributions, and thematic orientations. The analysis reveals three central directions of inquiry: the role of digital platforms in shaping Muslim identity, their use in political and social movements, and their significance as tools for da’wah and religious communication. Beyond these thematic clusters, the review highlights a growing pedagogical dimension, where social media is increasingly regarded not only as a cultural and religious arena but also as a technological medium that supports online learning, digital literacy, and innovative approaches to Islamic education. Taken together, these findings suggest that social media has moved beyond being a site of representation to becoming a transformative platform with direct implications for educational technology, teaching practices, and identity formation in Muslim societies.