Between purgatory and paradise: Exploring the role of social media in the lives of public intellectuals

Abstract

In this transitory age for public intellectuals, faculty must wisely negotiate the differences between public and private communication. The work of public intellectuals in colleges and universities raises questions about the methods used to assess the impact this work and the modes of communication with the lay public. This chapter discusses the pervasive nature of social media in the lives of public intellectuals and to what end the platforms they utilize can be leveraged in positive ways.