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Science Communication in a Digital Age: Social Media and the American Fisheries Society
Author(s) -
Claussen Julie E.,
Cooney Patrick B.,
Defilippi Julie M.,
Fox Sarah Gilbert,
Glaser Sarah Michele,
Hawkes Elden,
Hutt Clifford,
Jones Marissa H.,
Kemp Iris M.,
Lerner Aaron,
Midway Stephen R.,
Nesbit Shivonne,
OsborneGowey Jeremiah,
Roberts Ryan,
Steward Cleve
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
fisheries
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.725
H-Index - 79
eISSN - 1548-8446
pISSN - 0363-2415
DOI - 10.1080/03632415.2013.816289
Subject(s) - outreach , social media , public relations , social communication , digital media , political science , fishery , sociology , biology , law , communication
ABSTRACT Social media platforms are effective tools used to help communicate and increase involvement in cultural, political, and scientific circles. In 2012, an ad hoc committee was established to explore online fisheries science communication and how social media platforms can be utilized by the American Fisheries Society (AFS). A survey was disseminated to all AFS units (chapters, sections, divisions) and student subunits to better understand the current use of social media within the AFS. A relatively high response rate (82%) provided some confidence in the survey results—namely, that nearly 69% or more of units and subunits used social media. Facebook was the dominant platform used (59%; all others < 15%) and almost exclusively (97%) for the purpose of communication. Education, outreach, and member recruitment were other reasons for social media use. Finally, whether units currently use social media or not at all, it was recommended that AFS‐led workshops and assistance would increase the usefulness of social media.