We evaluate the empirical evidence interrogating the question of whether social media erodes social cohesion. We look at how networks, information exchange, and norms operate on these platforms. We also evaluate the conditions under which social media can be conducive to forming social capital and encouraging prosocial behavior. We discuss the psychological mechanisms that operate at the individual level and assess whether social media can create the environment and incentives to sustain cooperation and constructive exchange. Our discussion of the literature centers on how attitudes, perceptions, and beliefs are formed during the type of online interactions encouraged by platforms, their design, and affordances. We consider the policy implications of existing research, focusing on how empirical studies may inform regulatory efforts and platform interventions.

中文翻译：

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社交媒体会破坏社会凝聚力吗？批判性评论

我们评估了质疑社交媒体是否会削弱社会凝聚力的问题的经验证据。我们研究网络、信息交换和规范如何在这些平台上运作。我们还评估了社交媒体有助于形成社会资本和鼓励亲社会行为的条件。我们讨论了在个人层面运作的心理机制，并评估社交媒体是否可以创造环境和激励措施来维持合作和建设性交流。我们对文献的讨论集中在平台、它们的设计和可供性所鼓励的在线交互类型中如何形成态度、看法和信念。我们考虑现有研究的政策影响，