Science Communication through Social Networking Sites.

The study explores the use of social networking sites among the scientists of Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE). A total of 153 scientists are working in the various institutions coming under KSCSTE. Questionnaire method was used for collecting the data. More than half of the scientists are aware of scientific article sharing, presentation sharing, blogging, image and video sharing. Maximum numbers of respondents are aware of Academia and Research Gate. Other science social media that are aware to scientists are Lab Meeting, Nature Network, Science 2.0 and Social M D. The ability to communicate internationally is the major benefit of social networking. Lack of time, problem of authority and trust, technology factor, unsure about moral right or copyright and slow internet speed are barriers faced in accessing social media. All the respondents depend on social media to identify research opportunities. Scientists use social media in the following phases of research such as secure support, review the literature, collect the research data, analyze the research data and manage the research process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]