Practice of Social Media Use In Science Communication

Abstract

Social media refers to apps or websites that allow its users to connect and exchange data via the Internet. The rise of social media platforms has created great opportunities for open science, including exchanging scientific knowledge and communicating in more interactive ways between researchers and with the general population. Therefore, scientists are increasingly using multiple platforms of social media for communication in science. Through a content analysis of related articles published in academic journals, this paper would offer an overview of how scientists have been using various social media platforms for science communication purpose. A review of existing literature revealed that over the past decade, several social media platforms have been used to disseminate the research results outside of academia and increase public engagement. Besides, scientists also use social media to create scholarly connections, share and discuss their research findings and ideas with the scientific community across the globe, as well as to stay update with changes in science communication. Facebook, Twitter, ResearchGate, Academia.edu, and blogs are the most commonly used platforms by scientists. The current paper can help better understand how scientists are currently using social media as a medium for communication inside and outside the scientific world.