Engagement with science content on social media: a comparison of eight platforms

• In Event: 40816 - Digital Lives and Social Ties: Examining Identity, Agency, and Influence Online

Abstract

Social media give people access to endless types of topics, including science content. On which popular platforms are users most likely to be exposed to and interact with such materials? Are there sociodemographic differences in who sees and engages with such content? Do online experiences and skills relate to these outcomes? And how does engagement with science on social media relate to science literacy? We surveyed a national sample of American adults to answer these questions. We find that users’ experiences vary considerably across platforms with those on Facebook the most likely to see and engage with science content. We find differences in experiences by age, gender, education, disability, and internet skills. Results suggest a link between social media science engagement and science literacy. We discuss the implications of these findings for science communication.

Authors

• Esther Gasser, University of Zurich

• Eszter Hargittai, University of Zurich