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How to cite using AMA in the health sciences: Social Media (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc)

This guide covers the basics of the American Medical Association's (AMA) citation style.

Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn)

Elements to include and formatting

Author(s). Title of specific item cited. Name of Web Site. Publication date. Updated date.  Accessed date. (if these dates are available). URL (no period after the URL)

Facebook Example

Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine Facebook page. #RotatorCuff tears are among the most common shoulder injuries, particularly in individuals who engage in activities that require repetitive arm motions. Discover the possible treatment options for a torn rotator cuff: https://mayocl.in/2H6AR3P. Accessed March 4, 2019. https://www.facebook.com/mayoclinicsportsmedicine

LinkedIn Example

Sarani K. It was great to be back at the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy today, to chat with the first year PHARM 120 class about entrepreneurship & biotech[...] LinkedIn. April 2022. Accessed September 6, 2022. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/imkeean_pharmacy-activity-6914985634231123968-3o-w?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop 

Twitter Example

@AMAManual. Double negatives can be used to express a positive, but this yields a weaker affirmative than the simpler positive and may be confusing. “Our results are not inconsistent with the prior hypothesis.” “That won’t do you no good.” And the classic: “I can’t get no satisfaction.” March 7, 2019. Accessed March 10, 2019. https://twitter.com/AMAManual/status/1103678998327017483

Tips

  • If the content of the post is short enough (less than ~20 words), you may include the title and full-text of the social medial post (see Twitter and Facebook examples)
  • Social media changes constantly; if your specific site isn't listed do your best to be consistent and adhere to AMA rules as much as possible
  • Some social media sources don't give publication dates, but instead give a timeline for how long ago it was published (e.g., 3 days ago, 5 months ago). Do you best to give a general idea of when the post was published by working backwards (see LinkedIn example)
  • See Section 3.15.4 (Social Media) of the AMA Style Guide for more information

Questions?

Questions about the AMA Manual of Style? 

Contact the librarians at the
NJM Health Sciences Library
healthlibrary@umanitoba.ca
200 level, Brodie Centre

Acknowledgement

The content and design of this page was copied and adapted from the guide "AMA Style: the Basics for Pharmacy Writing" written and developed by Caitlin Carter, University of Waterloo Library.