Social Media for Research Impact

This book reviews the effects of the professional use of social media on science and scholarship, providing practical tips, tools, and guidelines for platforms, practices, and routines on social media for academics. Through concise case studies from researchers worldwide, it illustrates the diverse and often unexpected ways social media enhances academic work, from building collaborative networks and expanding audience reach to creating real-world impact. Coverage includes established platforms like LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter), emerging spaces such as Bluesky, and creative academic applications of platforms like Reddit and WhatsApp. At its core, this guide emphasizes intentional engagement over self-promotion, focusing on meaningful communication, community development, and knowledge sharing. It introduces the Researcher's Social Media Compass, a framework to help you align your online activity with your professional aims, values, and resources. Social Media for Research Impact is of interest to researchers at all career stages, as well as research managers, advisors, and communication professionals who support research visibility and collaboration through social media.