Should I cite a social media post?
The AMA recommends finding information elsewhere if possible. If it is unavailable in another citeable format, citing social media is acceptable.
What guidelines should I follow when posting about scientific content on social media?
NOTE: These are examples of acceptable citations for social media. In some the whole post is given, including attached URLs, in others just the title. Use your best judgment when determining which is appropriate.
Type of Entry |
Reference List |
Username/organizational page name. Post description. Accessed [date]. URL of post |
Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine Facebook page. #RotatorCuff tears are among the most common shoulder injuries, particularly in individuals who engage in activities that require repetitive arm motions. Discover the possible treatment options for a torn rotator cuff: https://mayocl.in/2H6AR3P. Accessed March 4, 2019. https://www.facebook.com/mayoclinicsportsmedicine |
Twitter handle. Text of Tweet. Posted [date]. Accessed [date]. URL of Tweet |
@AMAManual. In the 11th edition: More examples of references in scientific publications, including newer sources such as trial registries, data repositories, preprints, and social media. Posted November 1, 2019. Accessed November 2, 2019. https://twitter.com/AMAManual/status/1190283198544203776 |
YouTubeUsername YouTube page. Title of video (if specific video). Posted [date] (if specific video). Accessed [date]. URL [of video or page] |
Khan Academy health and medicine YouTube page. Accessed February 10, 2016. https://www.youtube.com/user/khanacademymedicine |
BlogAuthor Last Name, First Initial. Title of post. Title of blog. Posted [date]. Accessed [date]. URL of post |
Orellana J. Resources for references. AMA Style Insider blog. Posted October 25, 2019. Accessed November 2, 2019. https://amastyleinsider.com/2019/10/25/resources-for-references/ |
Thanks to the George Washington University Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library for the content of this guide, which is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.