The purpose of this study is to examine college students’ sense of community on social media. I collected data by surveying 74 respondents who are at least 18 years old and are currently enrolled as students (undergraduate or graduate) at the University of Colorado Boulder. The survey questions assess the extent of participants’ community ties. In the results of my research study, 64% of participants found communities through social media and 57% reported having a better sense of community while using social media. Most respondents agreed that social media is beneficial for advocacy groups and professional networking, but not many used social media for these purposes. Most respondents with marginalized identities considered social media useful for affirming their identities and networking with others who share those identities. Identity affirmation, networking, and activism are potential social media benefits for marginalized communities. Professional networking and engaging with advocacy communities/organizations are potential areas for students to expand their community ties on social media. The social media advantages of marginalized identity affirmation and the ability to find various communities on social media foster community building, whereas the social media disadvantages of shallow connections and inhibiting social interactions hinder community building among college students.</p
