JABSOM Library: AMA Citation &amp; Reference Style: Social Media

Citation Tips

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?

Use proper capitalization; capital letters don’t take up more characters than lowercase.
Use basic punctuation to help ensure clarity.
Avoid texting jargon, such as “U” for “you” or “L8” for “late”; these abbreviations are too colloquial and may not be widely understood.
Contractions are fine, as are easily recognized symbols such as &, <, and =.

Social Media (see 3.15.4)

AMA Citation Style for 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
Facebook 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 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
YouTube Username 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
Blog Author 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/

Attribution

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..