Research using hashtags: A meta-synthesis

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Digital Communication
• Information Science

Background:

• Hashtag research has expanded significantly in the last two decades.
• Digital environment evolution has driven hashtag diffusion and development.
• Growing interest exists in hashtag usage, activism, descriptive measures, and metrics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize existing hashtag research.
• To outline the characteristics of nascent hashtag research.
• To identify opportunities for new knowledge generation in this field.

Main Methods:

• A meta-study approach was employed.
• Meta-synthesis was used to analyze and integrate findings.
• Qualitative synthesis to identify similarities and differences.

Main Results:

• The review outlines the nascent traits of hashtag research.
• Identified common themes and variations in hashtag studies.
• Highlighted areas for future research and knowledge expansion.

Conclusions:

• Hashtag research is an evolving field with distinct characteristics.
• Further investigation is needed to fully understand hashtag dynamics.
• This review provides a foundation for future scholarly inquiry.