The literature on the social uses of social technologies relates predominantly to its political impact, much of it arguing for the transformative power of social media. The third sector literature is dominated by material relating to marketing and fundraising for charities, with little research on community organisations’ use of social media.

This working paper - Working Paper 139: Community Action and Social Media - a review of the literature - reviews over 400 items and outlines key themes including: lack of evidence that social media use contributes to lasting empowerment, equalities or social justice; and that networked individuals may now carry out community action roles more efficiently than organisations.

This review has underpinned further primary research, published as Working Paper 140: Community Action and Social Media: Trouble in Utopia?