Social Media Platforms
|
PLATFORM |
DESCRIPTION |
PROS |
CONS |
EXAMPLE |
|
|
Short form photo and video sharing network site. Also has functionality to ask questions and polls. |
Visuals useful to educate and entertain wide audience. Can show the more personal side of life through visual media. |
Limited opportunity to have in-depth discussions |
A postdoc creating infographics to simplify complex women’s health topics - @periodoftheperiod |
|
X (TWITTER) |
Social micro-blogging site where users can post 280-character “tweets”. |
Way to connect with the public and other researchers to keep up to date with scientific news, jobs, events. |
Little space to elaborate, can't edit, huge volume of daily content. |
An account posting tips on ways to improve academic writing - @writethatphD |
|
|
Professional networking site, focus on med/long-form content, sharing links to other sites (e.g., job vacancies). |
Public space to advertise your job experience and skills. Potential to informally connect with future employers. |
Can take time to build connections, and only the basic version is free. |
Regularly writes articles on topics like preparing for postdoc interviews choosing a mentor, and imposter syndrome - Samvit Menon |
|
TIKTOK |
Mobile app focused on sharing short-form, mobile created video content. |
Fun and creative way to share information using video. |
Only video media, limited opportunity for discussion |
A research technician sharing funny and relatable content from the biochemistry lab – @lab_shenanigans |
|
SPOTIFY |
Platforms to share audio podcasts. |
Long-form conversations can provide background and more nuances to the discussed topic. |
High resource commitment (time, equipment, software). |
30-minute podcasts debunking fads and trends. Topics include DNA, nuclear power, and hypnosis - Science VS |
|
YOUTUBE |
Video sharing and viewing platform. Traditionally, videos are long form however “shorts” are now available (videos lasting <60 seconds). |
Create detailed video content explaining complex topics. Can be rewatched and shared publicly, or listed privately (e.g., to share with students). |
High resource commitment (time, equipment, software). |
A large library of videos teaching viewers how to use R software - @RProgramming101 |
|
PERSONAL WEBSITE |
Long format writing on a dedicated website like Word Press or Square Space, usually focused on a particular topic |
Space to provide more detail on a topic without being limited by characters or medium. Can help to develop writing skills |
Requires more time commitment than other platforms & may have low public readership. |
|
|
GOOGLE SCHOLAR |
Free site to store all publications in one place, can see citations, h-index, institution. |
One of most common ways people access articles. Helpful to see recent work of authors. |
Linked to institution email so need to remember to update! |
scholar.google.com |
|
RESEARCH GATE |
Like Google Scholar but you can upload pre-prints, posters, and other scientific output. |
The message function is great, you can request full text, recommend articles & comment. |
Illegal upload of papers (when not open access). |
researchgate.net |
|
ORCID |
Unique ID that distinguishes you from other researchers. |
Links you & your work to institutions, awards, grants etc. Can login into publishing sites. Get credit for reviewing articles |
Website a bit clunky. Sometimes hard to find all your work. False information. |
orcid.org |
|
ALTMETRIC |
Way to monitor and demonstrate your dissemination & communication activity. |
Handy plug-in to see summary of work. See where your work is being used, can set up alerts. |
Paid for service or can only access if your institution has a subscription. |
altmetric.com |
