1. Researchers are releasing results earlier
Psychologists are increasingly sharing work that’s still in progress, especially on Twitter, says Jay Van Bavel, PhD, an associate professor of psychology and neural sciences at New York University.
“That comes with a risk, because many of these studies haven’t been vetted by peer review,” he says. “On the other hand, there’s a greater urgency to share actionable information, especially during a global pandemic.”
Building on the field’s leadershipopens in new window in the open science movement, psychologists are now leveraging social media to share data sets and preliminary findings with other scientists, policymakers, and the general public. Early insights during the pandemic have helped promote mask-wearingopens in new window, combat what Van Bavel calls “the avalanche of false information” about the coronavirus, and address the mental health challenges associated with social isolation.
2. Clinicians are sharing more mental health advice
“When states started to issue lockdown orders, we saw a surge in people seeking mental health resources on social media,” says Sam Chlebowski, vice president of sales and marketing at Brighter Visionopens in new window, a marketing firm for therapists.
Clinical psychologists, including Janine Kreft, PsyD, of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, launched Instagram and TikTok accounts focused on psychoeducation, and those already on social media started posting advice for navigating quarantine. Kreft says videos are “digestible, fun, and accessible to so many more people” than long blocks of text. Much of her content involves communication role-playopens in new window as well as tips for coping with anxiety.
As the pandemic unfolds, clinicians have also been sharing relevant research and practical tips for juggling remote work and childcare and helping patients use telehealth, Chlebowski says.
Through these public interactions, “psychologists are being more vulnerable and human,” says Kevin Nadal, PhD, a professor of psychology at the City University of New York who has written about both his personal experiences and his academic research on racism and homophobia via Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. That has had a humanizing effect that has helped normalize seeking therapy, he adds.
3. Psychologists are reaching a diverse audience
Alfiee Breland-Noble, PhD, founder and board president of the nonprofit AAKOMA Projectopens in new window, uses Instagram Live, Facebook Live, and Twitter chats to share wellness strategies and spark conversations about mental health with marginalized groupsopens in new window, including LGBTQ youth and families of color.
“For the communities that I serve, I find I can spread the word faster and further when I use social media,” she says.
Breland-Noble also hosts scientists, activists, and other experts on her channels, which also include podcasts and YouTube. She features diverse voices—such as meditation and yoga teachers of color during a weekly series on mindfulness.
“We can use social media as a way of ‘giving psychology away’ so that it isn’t something that only an elite educated group gets, but something that everyone has access to,” says Nadal.
For advice on promoting research on Twitter, see the October Monitor.
