Science Engagement via Twitter: Examining the Educational Outreach of Museums, Zoos, Aquariums and Other Science Organizations

Abstract

Abstract Many science museums and wildlife attractions use social media as a marketing tool to encourage visitors. However, our survey research on Twitter and museums, zoos, and other science institutions finds that there are 2 groups of people following these organizations to learn about science. The informed citizens follow trusted science organizations on Twitter to learn about the science. The other public, the science communicators, follow these organizations to stay current on scientific news and advances, but they are also deeply interested in sharing scientific news via Twitter and in being part of a larger social conversation about science. Both of these publics are interested in staying current in science, but the communicators also offer these organizations a channel to communicate science to a broader public.