Social networks as a strategy to improve the visibility of scientific journals

Abstract

This study delves into the dynamic relationship between social networks (SNs) and the metrics of scientific journals, with the goal of illuminating their collaborative potential. Focused on the journal ‘Retos de ciencias de la administración y la economía’, which is indexed in Scopus, this investigation employs an empirical, cross-sectional, and correlational approach. The study analyzes over 160 journals indexed in Latindex, incorporating SN presence and Google Scholar profiles. The study’s findings underscore the pivotal role that strategic utilization of academic social networks plays in bolstering the visibility and recognition of scientific journals. By investigating the interplay between Facebook posts and journal citations, the research unveils correlations that indicate the power of SNs to contribute to improved metrics. The analysis further highlights the nexus between SN activity and follower engagement, shedding light on the avenue for growth in both areas. Notably, the correlation between social media engagement and Google Scholar citations underlines the interconnected nature of SNs and scholarly impact. The study also recognizes the intricate dynamics at play, suggesting that the relationship between SN activity and citations is influenced by a range of factors, including content quality and thematic alignment. Furthermore, it emphasizes the significance of an integrated approach, where SN management aligns with the goals of academic journals, thereby facilitating enhanced academic engagement and influence. Longitudinal studies could elucidate the evolution of SN-integrated strategies, while comparative analyses of diverse social media platforms could uncover the nuances of visibility enhancement.