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Purpose: This study aims to make a cross-disciplinary synthesis by conducting a bibliographic analysis of international articles, conference proceedings, book chapters, etc., written on transparency. In line with this, the research aims to identify transparency practices implemented through digital communication channels and address the following guiding questions: 1) What are the goals of transparency for the public sector, private sector, or citizens? 2) Who benefits from transparency? 3) What are the sub-concepts related to transparency? 4) What are the issues emphasized in the literature on transparency? 5) What are the obstacles to transparency? 6) What are the dangers, violations, and risks in cases of excessive transparency or, conversely, no transparency? Method: In this research, data obtained from studies published between 2001 and March 2022 in Web of Science, Scopus, Taylor & Francis, ScienceDirect, and JSTOR databases were analyzed using the PRISMA 2020 statement. The data were coded and categorized using a “data collection form” developed by the authors of this study and analyzed using the MAXQDA 20 software. Findings: Only 255 of the 4681 studies identified by the database search were eligible for systematic review. Almost half of these studies were concentrated in two regions, Northern Europe and North America, but a lack of transparency research was observed in Latin America, Australia, Asia, and Africa. Document analysis was identified as the most common method of qualitative and quantitative data collection, with a weak trend in the use of experimental designs. In addition, it was determined that web-based studies on digital media research topics are regularly studied each year. It is also predicted that these studies may shift to areas such as blockchain, the Internet of Things, augmented reality, and virtual reality with technological developments. Most researchers focus on transparency studies where information flows to citizens, with the idea that this can improve public sector performance. A large body of research also shows that greater transparency in digital communication positively affects democratic action. Implications: This study provides an important contribution to transparency research in the field of communication sciences by presenting an interdisciplinary perspective. This work will also be useful for future research by clarifying the relationship between digital communication channels and the concept of transparency. The results of this study show that transparency is important in a democratic environment and emphasizes the importance of digital communication channels in this context. However, other important aspects of digital communication channels, such as privacy and data protection, should also be considered. Therefore, there is a need to raise awareness of transparency and to conduct more research on the effects of digital communication channels. This research can help to better understand the concept of transparency and make transparency practices more effective. There is also a need to address data protection and privacy issues in digital communication channels. Such studies can contribute to a better understanding of the concept of transparency and enhancing transparency practices. Additionally, data protection and privacy issues in digital communication channels should be addressed. All of these steps are crucial for creating a more transparent and secure social communication environment.< Originality: An in-depth analysis of the theoretical and conceptual literature on the connection between digitalization and transparency highlights the significance of this study. In addition, it is believed that the study can significantly contribute by identifying potential areas for future research and filling existing knowledge gaps.

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