Social Media

Social media refers to online platforms that enable users to create, share and interact with content within virtual communities and networks. Examples include TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn and WhatsApp.  

Academics, researchers, professional organizations, governments, and other institutions use social media to share information and engage with broader audiences. Some platforms, such as ResearchGate or Academia.edu are designed specifically for academic communities, allowing researchers to share publications, discuss scholarly topics, and build professional networks. 

For university students, social media can be a useful tool for discovering ideas, experts, current events, professional communities and emerging discussions related to their studies. It can also give them perspectives and experiences that are not represented in traditional academic sources like books and articles.  

However, because anyone can post on these channels and the content is generally not reviewed by experts before being published, information must be carefully evaluated, including those for an academic community. Students should verify content using scholarly sources or other sources recommended by professors for course assignments. Also be wary of “filter bubbles” where algorithms often personalize information on social media channels based on a user’s past behaviour, preferences and interactions. As a result, users may be exposed to a narrower range of viewpoints and information sources, making it more challenging to encounter alternative ideas and so see different dimensions of complex issues.