Social Media and Security in Digital Learning Ecosystems: A Review from the Perspective of Distance Education

Year 2026, Volume: 3 Issue: 1, 49 - 63, 31.01.2026

Emin Özen

Abstract

The rapid development of digital technologies is fundamentally transforming the structure of learning environments, reshaping the ways in which students access information, interact with their peers, and engage with educational content. Social media platforms have become an integral part of contemporary digital learning ecosystems, extending communication, collaboration, and community-building processes beyond the boundaries of traditional classrooms. On the other hand, the transition to large-scale distance education, which accelerated particularly with the COVID-19 pandemic, has brought significant concerns in areas such as data privacy, cybersecurity, user authentication processes, and ethical digital behavior. This review examines the intersection of social media, security, and distance education in the context of digital learning ecosystems. Based on a comprehensive academic literature, the study addresses the pedagogical possibilities of social media, the multidimensional security issues raised by online learning environments, and the changing dynamics of digital citizenship. Findings indicate that social media provides significant opportunities in terms of increasing learner engagement, supporting collaborative knowledge production, and offering flexible communication options; however, these opportunities are closely linked to serious risks such as data security, online harassment, identity fraud, and the spread of misinformation. The study emphasizes the need for enhanced security infrastructure, advanced digital literacy skills, and comprehensive policy frameworks to ensure the sustainability of safe and effective learning experiences in digital ecosystems

Keywords

: Digital learning ecosystems , social media , security , distance learning , online learning , digital literacy

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