Lecture at the 3rd Leibniz PhD Symposium “Keep it simple! – Science communication”, Berlin 2015

1. …like a fish swims in the water
Science and Social Media
Lars Fischer
fischblog@gmail.com

2. Social Media – the basics
o share economy
o interaction groups instead of focus groups
o highly differentiated audiences
o great variety of forms and customs
o reputation is everything

3. (aus rechtlichen Gründen entfernt)

4. On the Internet, nobody
knows you‘re a doc

5. Social Networks
…there are so many

6. Why go social?
• “higher engagement with public & scientists in
other disciplines”
• “too much misquoting by 3rd parties with
political agendas”
• „to follow conferences they can’t get to in
person”
• “for getting quick answers & links to references
from peers”
http://blogs.agu.org/sciencecommunication/2011/07/20/why-scientists-use-twitter/

7. "Piled Higher and Deeper"
by Jorge Cham
www.phdcomics.com

8. What do you want?
o provide reliable information about your field
o excite people about (your) science
o create a public professional reputation
o interact with other people relevant to your field
o change the world
o have fun

9. Who do you want to talk to?
o colleagues
o people who decide funding and hiring
o scientifically interested laypeople
o a special interest group, e.g. a movement
o journalists
o kids

11. A few examples…

12. A few examples…

13. A few examples…

14. A few examples…
#fieldworkfails

15. How much space do you need?
It is said Ernest Hemingway once made a wager
with other writers that he could write a novel in
only six words:

16. How much space do you need?
For sale:
Baby shoes, never worn.
It is said Ernest Hemingway once made a wager
with other writers that he could write a novel in
only six words:

17. What does it take to be shared?
o emotion
o accessibility
o a clear message
o practical value
o visuals (images, videos)
o a good story

18. What does it take to be shared?
o emotion
o accessibility
o a clear message
o practical value
o a good story
o visuals (images, videos)
e.g. cute animals

19. Risks
o legal problems (image rights etc.)
o your ideas could be stolen
o old posts could harm you in the future
o criticism and insults

20. 4 simple rules
o be honest about your limitations and mistakes
o learn the rules – not just those written down
o think before you post
o have fun