TITLE : EXPLORING THE HIATUS IN UNDERSTANDING STOCK MARKET MANIPULATION : A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW INTRODUCTION • Market manipulation is when someone artificially affects the supply or demand for a security (for example, causing stock prices to rise or to fall dramatically). • Market manipulation may involve techniques including: Spreading false or misleading information about a company Engaging in a series of transactions to make a security appear more actively traded; and. Rigging quotes, prices, or trades to make it look like there is more or less demand for a security than is the case. METHODOLOGY Literature Review -: The manipulation of the stock market is a complex and ever-evolving problem with significant implications for investor trust and market efficiency. This literature review aims to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the key themes and findings in this field. 1`.Role of Social Media in Financial Markets (Smith, 2018):This foundational study establishes the increasing influence of social media on financial markets. It explores how information dissemination through platforms like Twitter,Discord and Reddit can rapidly impact stock prices, laying the groundwork for understanding the dynamics of online financial discussions. 2. Market Manipulation in the Digital Age (Jones et al., 2019): This research focuses on the evolving landscape of market manipulation, emphasizing the shift towards digital platforms. It identifies challenges in defining and detecting manipulation within the context of social media, highlighting the need for updated regulatory frameworks. This brief literature review underscores the growing significance of social media in financial markets and highlights the multifaceted challenges associated with detecting and mitigating stock market manipulation in the digital age. The studies collectively emphasize the need for interdisciplinary approaches, combining finance, technology, and regulatory perspectives to address these challenges effectively. OBJECTIVES OF STOCK MARKET The objectives of the stock market can be viewed from two main perspectives: facilitating economic growth and providing opportunities for investors. From the perspective of economic growth there are following methods -: 1.Capital formation: The stock market allows companies to raise capital by issuing shares, which can be used for expansion, innovation, and job creation. This helps drive economic growth and development.Efficient allocation of capital: The market mechanism of supply and demand drives capital towards companies with the best growth potential, leading to a more efficient allocation of resources in the economy. 2.Corporate accountability: Publicly traded companies are subject to greater scrutiny and transparency, which can improve corporate governance and decision-making. From the perspective of investors: 3.Wealth creation: Investing in the stock market offers the potential for higher returns than other asset classes like bonds or savings accounts, allowing investors to grow their wealth over the long term.Income generation: Some companies pay dividends to their shareholders, providing a regular stream of income . 4.Risk diversification: Investing in a diverse portfolio of stocks can help mitigate risk and improve overall portfolio performance. RESEARCH QUESTION “How does the existing influence on social media impact the prevention and regulatory response to stock market manipulation,and what role does technological advancements play in shaping the ambulation of complex relationship?” RESEARCH GAP Despite the extensive research on stock market manipulation, there remains a notable gap in understanding the impact of emerging decentralized technologies, such as blockchain and cryptocurrencies, on the detection and prevention of market manipulation. The problem arises from the evolving landscape of financial markets, where traditional manipulative techniques may be adapted or entirely replaced by innovative strategies facilitated by decentralized platforms. This research aims to address the gap by investigating how blockchain technology and decentralized finance may introduce new challenges or opportunities in detecting and preventing market manipulation. RESEARCH PROBLEM The problem statement centers on the need to comprehend the unique features of decentralized systems that could either amplify existing manipulation risks or offer novel solutions to enhance market integrity. This includes exploring the role of smart contracts, anonymity features, and the decentralized nature of blockchain in shaping manipulative practices and regulatory responses. REFERENCES • Brown, A., & White, L. (2021). “Market Manipulation: Strategies and Countermeasures.” Journal of Finance, 45(2), 215-232 • European Commission. (2021). “Market Manipulation Regulation: A Comparative Analysis.” Brussels: European Union Publications. • Jones, R., et al. (2020). “Defining Market Manipulation: A Conceptual Framework.” Journal of Financial Regulation, 28(3), 301-318. • Kim, J., et al. (2022). “Technological Advancements and Emerging Risks in Stock Market Manipulation.” Journal of Financial Engineering, 18(1), 56-73.