Abstract: 【Purpose/significance】In the evolution process of online public opinions in social media, opinions may be divided, opposed
or concentrated, which leads to the group polarization phenomenon of online denunciation or confrontation. This paper aims to provide reference for the research and development of relevant studies in China by sorting out the development context and research topics of group polarization in foreign countries.【Method/process】This paper divides foreign studies on social media group polarization into three stages:theme formation stage, theme development stage and theme maturity stage, and deeply analyzes the development context in each stage.【Result/conclusion】Through sorting out and analyzing this topic, this paper summarizes five foreign research hotspots of group polarization in social media, which are dynamic mechanism of group polarization, group sentiment or opinion polarization, simulation prediction, influencing factors and management strategy of group polarization. Finally, further research work can be carried out from the aspects of group polarization on rumors, endogenous and exogenous polarization, and group depolarization.【Innovation/limitation】The development context and research status of social media group polarization in foreign countries are systematically sum? marized, and the future research direction is proposed based on the research theme of information management