Beyond Traditional Publishing: Social Media as a Catalyst for Biomedical Research Dissemination and Collaboration.

Abstract

The expansion of social media has fundamentally transformed biomedical research dissemination and collaboration, particularly within the interferon and cytokine research community. This paper explores recent trends (2024-2025) that have amplified the role of platforms such as Twitter (now "X"), LinkedIn, Mastodon, Threads, and Bluesky. These tools have facilitated rapid knowledge exchange, democratized access to scientific discourse, enabled diverse voices to participate meaningfully, and fostered cross-disciplinary and global collaborations. Additionally, the integration of preprint repositories like bioRxiv and medRxiv, along with the evolution of open access publishing, further accelerates the accessibility and immediacy of scientific communication. Despite evident benefits, the rapid dissemination facilitated by social media also poses ethical challenges, including concerns about misinformation, premature dissemination of preliminary data, and privacy considerations. Practical strategies for researchers and institutions to effectively navigate these platforms responsibly are presented, aiming to optimize the impact of social media on scientific discovery and public engagement.