This article provides a systematic review of social media research from 1997 to 2017, focusing on the evolution, themes, and challenges in the field. It analyzes 132 papers from selected information systems (IS) journals, highlighting key areas of research, including user behavior, social media as a marketing tool, online communities, and risks associated with its use. The study identifies several emerging themes, such as the behavioral aspects of social media, the role of reviews and recommendations, and the integration of social media for organizational purposes. It also discusses the impact of social media on workplace dynamics, including negative stigma and the challenges of managing online communities. The review emphasizes the importance of understanding the multifaceted nature of social media, including its potential for both positive and negative outcomes. The study concludes that social media research has advanced significantly, with a growing focus on the implications of social media use in various contexts, including marketing, organizational behavior, and public administration. The findings suggest that future research should address the limitations of existing studies, such as the need for more comprehensive definitions of social media and a deeper exploration of its impact on different user groups. The review also highlights the importance of considering the ethical and security implications of social media use, as well as the need for effective management strategies to maximize the benefits of social media while minimizing its risks. Overall, the study provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of social media research, offering valuable insights for researchers and practitioners in the field.This article provides a systematic review of social media research from 1997 to 2017, focusing on the evolution, themes, and challenges in the field. It analyzes 132 papers from selected information systems (IS) journals, highlighting key areas of research, including user behavior, social media as a marketing tool, online communities, and risks associated with its use. The study identifies several emerging themes, such as the behavioral aspects of social media, the role of reviews and recommendations, and the integration of social media for organizational purposes. It also discusses the impact of social media on workplace dynamics, including negative stigma and the challenges of managing online communities. The review emphasizes the importance of understanding the multifaceted nature of social media, including its potential for both positive and negative outcomes. The study concludes that social media research has advanced significantly, with a growing focus on the implications of social media use in various contexts, including marketing, organizational behavior, and public administration. The findings suggest that future research should address the limitations of existing studies, such as the need for more comprehensive definitions of social media and a deeper exploration of its impact on different user groups. The review also highlights the importance of considering the ethical and security implications of social media use, as well as the need for effective management strategies to maximize the benefits of social media while minimizing its risks. Overall, the study provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of social media research, offering valuable insights for researchers and practitioners in the field.