Academic social networks and communication researchers from universities in the North of Portugal : an analysis of Academia.edu and ResearchGate

Abstract

Academic social networks emerge as an opportunity for researchers to improve their work and to potentially increase both the dissemination of their research and their collaboration with other scholars. However, there are still many gaps, uncertainties and reluctance surrounding academic social networks. This is not surprising, as they are a new phenomenon and are still not en a par with traditional media in terms of prestige and recognition. Considering such platforms as objects of study may contribute to their consolidation as valid tools for academic research. This study analyzes the presence of communication scholars and researchers from Universities in the North of Portugal in the two major academic social networks, Academia.edu and ResearchGate. Our work is in line with recent incipient studies in other geographical areas, such as Galicia, Spain. This article not only offers and overview, but also detailed insights into the presence or absence of researchers on these platforms, number of documents uploaded, followers, visits; analysed by gender, university or department.