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Chinese Journal of Management Science ›› 2026, Vol. 34 ›› Issue (2): 25-40.doi: 10.16381/j.cnki.issn1003-207x.2024.1766

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A Review of Research on the Social Media User Relationship Networks

Xixi Li1, Qian Wang1, Xiangbin Yan2(), Zhenglin Liu1, Shuang Liang1   

  1. 1.School of Economics and Management,University of Science and Technology Beijing,Beijing 100083,China
    2.School of Business,Guangdong University of Foreign Studies,Guangzhou 510420,China
  • Received:2024-10-03 Revised:2024-11-17 Online:2026-02-25 Published:2026-02-04
  • Contact: Xiangbin Yan E-mail:xbyan@gdufs.edu.cn

Abstract:

With the continuous advancement of information technology, social media has permeated extensively into people’s daily lives and production activities, emerging as a primary conduit for information dissemination and social interaction. Compared to traditional offline social networks, notable changes have occurred in the evolution of user relationship networks within social media, a domain that has garnered considerable academic attention in recent years. However, current research topics concerning social media user relationship networks exhibit a fragmented landscape, lacking a systematic review and holistic interpretation grounded in a specific theoretical framework. To address this research gap, it aims to systematically review and synthesize the relevant content concerning social media users’ relationship networks. 326 relevant publications spanning from 2001 to 2024 are analyzed, sourced from the Core Journals of China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Web of Science. A framework diagram is constructed for social media users’ relationship networks based on the element-process framework from general system theory. The analysis is conducted from two primary aspects: research dimensions from the perspective of elements and influencing mechanisms of social media user relationship networks from the perspective of process. The findings reveal that from the element perspective, research on social media user relationship networks unfolds around three aspects: characterization, detection, and prediction of user relationship network features. The focus of these studies is on user relationships or networks, with research perspectives grounded in either static or dynamic contexts. From the process perspective, the influencing mechanisms within social media user relationship networks are explored in terms of influencing factors and effects across multiple levels, and these factors and effects are anchored in various specific scenarios. Building upon this analysis and incorporating contemporary characteristics, three future research trends are identified: online-offline integration, contextual diversity, and negativity research. The contributions of this study lie in providing a systematic framework and insights for domestic scholars to conduct deeper theoretical and empirical research in the field of social media user relationship networks. Additionally, it offers scientific evidence and decision-making references for social media enterprises, platform operators, and policymakers.

Key words: social media, relationships, relationship networks, literature review

CLC Number: