Using social media for research and reaching out

Abstract

Social media is a generic term used for Internet-based applications through which users create, share and exchange information and ideas through virtual communities. The general perception of social media is that it is a way to waste time, meant for young people to share photographs and jokes. However, what needs to be understood is that different social media platforms are merely tools-it is up to the individual to use them in specific ways. With science and scientific knowledge accumulating at a great pace, social media can be a quick, efficient way to exchange information, both between scientists and for scientists to disseminate information to the general public. In this chapter we discuss the concept of social media, introduce the different web-based tools available, explain how scientists can benefit from having a web presence and provide suggestions for getting started.