How to Cite Social Media – APA
In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives, and it’s not uncommon for researchers and students to use social media platforms as sources of information. When it comes to citing social media in academic papers, the APA (American Psychological Association) style provides specific guidelines to ensure proper attribution and avoid plagiarism. This article will guide you through the process of citing social media using APA style.
Understanding the APA Style
The APA style is widely used in the social sciences, education, and business fields. It emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and consistency in writing. When citing social media sources, it’s crucial to follow the APA guidelines to maintain the integrity of your research.
Citing Social Media Posts
To cite a social media post in APA style, you need to include the following elements:
1. Author’s Name: Start with the author’s real name, followed by a period. If the author’s name is not available, use “Author Unknown” and a period.
2. Date of Publication: Include the date the post was published or created, formatted as (Day Month Year). If the date is not available, use “n.d.” (no date) and a period.
3. Title of the Post: Enclose the title of the post in quotation marks and follow it with a period.
4. Social Media Platform: After the title, include the name of the social media platform in italics, followed by a period.
5. URL: Finally, provide the URL of the post, formatted as a full web address.
Here’s an example of how to cite a Facebook post in APA style:
Smith, J. (2021, January 15). The Impact of Social Media on Society [Post]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/examplepost
Citing Social Media Profiles
If you’re citing a social media profile, follow these guidelines:
1. Author’s Name: Begin with the author’s real name, followed by a period.
2. Date of Publication: Include the date the profile was created or last updated, formatted as (Day Month Year). If the date is not available, use “n.d.” (no date) and a period.
3. Title of the Profile: Enclose the title of the profile in quotation marks and follow it with a period.
4. Social Media Platform: After the title, include the name of the social media platform in italics, followed by a period.
5. URL: Provide the URL of the profile, formatted as a full web address.
Here’s an example of how to cite a Twitter profile in APA style:
Johnson, L. (n.d.). The World of Technology [Twitter Profile]. Twitter. https://twitter.com/techworld
Citing Social Media Content in the Text
When citing social media content in the text, you can use the author’s name and the date of publication, or simply mention the social media platform. Here’s an example:
According to Smith (2021, January 15), social media has significantly impacted the way we communicate (Facebook).
Conclusion
Citing social media using APA style is essential for maintaining academic integrity and providing proper attribution to the original source. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your research is credible and meets the standards of the APA style.
