Social Media and Online Forums ✏

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There are two common types of social media or online forum communications: personal (posted for friends/followers/members only) and public.  Both types require in-text citations, but only public communications require reference entries. Here are examples in the narrative format and the parenthetical format for both types.


Narrative citation - personal


C.J. Caldwell (personal communication, May 15, 2024) posted on Facebook that his kids are better off on a vegan diet.


Parenthetical citation - personal


One parent posted that his kids are better off on a vegan diet (C.J. Caldwell, personal communication, May 15, 2024).


Narrative citation  - public


Austin (2024) posted on Facebook that his students prefer campus classes over online classes. 


Parenthetical citation - public 


One teacher posted that his students prefer campus classes over online classes (Austin, 2024).


Additional notes