SM
SMSociety2026

About SMSociety

The International Conference on Social Media & Society brings together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to explore how digital platforms shape our world.

Our Mission

SMSociety is the premier international venue for scholars investigating the complex interplay between social media platforms and society. Since its inception, the conference has fostered rigorous academic inquiry into how digital technologies mediate communication, power, and collective action.

The 2026 edition, themed "Platform Power and Social Futures," focuses on the growing influence of digital platforms in shaping democratic governance, economic structures, and public discourse. We seek contributions that critically examine these dynamics through empirical research, theoretical innovation, and methodological advancement.

Held in Copenhagen, Denmark, SMSociety 2026 embraces the Nordic tradition of open inquiry and democratic deliberation. The conference provides a unique space for interdisciplinary exchange, bringing together scholars from communication studies, political science, sociology, computer science, law, and related fields.

At a Glance

Theme
Platform Power and Social Futures
Dates
March 2 - 6, 2026
Location
Copenhagen, Denmark
Format
In-Person
Tracks
Full Papers
Expected Attendance
400+ Researchers

Conference History

Over the years, SMSociety has grown from a small workshop into one of the leading venues for social media research worldwide.

2015

Inaugural conference held in Toronto, Canada

2017

Expanded to include workshops and industry panels

2019

First European edition held in Toronto, growing global reach

2021

Transitioned to hybrid format during the pandemic

2023

Returned fully in-person with record attendance

2026

Coming to Copenhagen with the theme: Platform Power and Social Futures

Thematic Scope

SMSociety 2026 welcomes submissions across a broad range of topics at the intersection of social media, platforms, and society. Key areas of interest include:

Platform governance, regulation, and policy
Algorithmic decision-making and accountability
Digital labor and the platform economy
Misinformation, disinformation, and trust
Data justice, privacy, and digital rights
AI and the transformation of public discourse
Social movements and digital activism
Health communication and wellbeing online