AIGC Reshaping Social Media: Technological Convergence, Content Production, and Ethical Governance
Abstract
Background: Generative Artificial Intelligence (AIGC) has emerged as a transformative force in social media ecosystems, reshaping content production, algorithmic distribution, and platform governance. From large language models to multimodal generation systems, AIGC technologies have rapidly penetrated diverse social media functions, raising urgent questions about their societal implications. Purpose: This review aims to systematically synthesize recent scholarship (2024-2026) on AIGC's integration into social media, identify research gaps across disciplinary boundaries, and propose actionable directions for future inquiry and governance. Methods: Following PRISMA-inspired scoping review guidelines, we searched Web of Science, Scopus, CNKI, and arXiv for peer-reviewed articles, conference papers, and preprints published between 2024 and 2026. A total of 78 core publications were selected after title/abstract screening and full-text evaluation. Thematic analysis was employed to categorize findings across five dimensions: technological applications, content production, recommendation mechanisms, ethical risks, and governance frameworks. Results: AIGC is shifting content production from professional creation to human-AI collaborative workflows, and recommendation systems from rule-driven designs to end-to-end models with user-controllable mechanisms. However, these advances amplify risks including deepfakes, algorithmic bias, filter bubbles, accountability deficits, and creative labor displacement. Cross-cultural analyses reveal significant differences in AIGC adoption patterns between Chinese and Western platforms, shaped by divergent regulatory environments and user behaviors. Conclusion: Future research should advance interdisciplinary integration, develop mixed-method approaches tailored to indigenous platform governance, and design dynamic governance frameworks that balance technological innovation with ethical safeguards. This review provides a comprehensive roadmap for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers navigating the evolving AIGC-social media landscape.