Archeology on Instagram: Investigating the Current and Potential Strategies for Archeological Science Communication on Instagram

With social media becoming an integral part of the average person’s life, this paper explores how social media can be used to share knowledge about archeology and actively involve the public in discussions about the practice and research. The study finds Instagram to be a useful platform for engaging in science communication because of specific features that create a space for professionalism and personalization from the creator, as well as a space that encourages discussion between the creator and the community they can establish. The study examines why science communication and outreach within archeology is important and how it can also benefit new research practices within the field. It then examines case studies of successful social media campaigns started by archeologists that yielded positive public involvement. Through interviews and surveys, the study then sheds light on efforts currently being made by both Oxford and Leiden University archeology departments to engage in...Show moreWith social media becoming an integral part of the average person’s life, this paper explores how social media can be used to share knowledge about archeology and actively involve the public in discussions about the practice and research. The study finds Instagram to be a useful platform for engaging in science communication because of specific features that create a space for professionalism and personalization from the creator, as well as a space that encourages discussion between the creator and the community they can establish. The study examines why science communication and outreach within archeology is important and how it can also benefit new research practices within the field. It then examines case studies of successful social media campaigns started by archeologists that yielded positive public involvement. Through interviews and surveys, the study then sheds light on efforts currently being made by both Oxford and Leiden University archeology departments to engage in science communication through their Instagram platforms and proposes a different strategy to engage the general public outside the world of academics based on the framework established through the case studies. The study concludes that the current Instagram pages of both universities aren’t prioritizing engaging the general public through their Instagram pages mainly because there is a lack of time and resources and knowledge about how to effectively use the platform to its fullest potential. A suggested strategy is stated in the conclusion on how to solve the current problems and create a space for public engagement.Show less

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Archeology on Instagram: Investigating the Current and Potential Strategies for Archeological Science Communication on Instagram