COM Research Seminar: Gender Disparities in Academia: The Role of Social Media Communication by Prof Xiaohui WANG

11 Mar 2024 (Mon)

On March 11, 2024, Prof. Xiaohui Wang, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Media and Communication at the City University of Hong Kong, delivered a seminar titled "Gender Disparities in Academia: The Role of Social Media Communication." The seminar addressed the persistent inequalities faced by female scholars in the field of communication, with Prof. Wang presenting recent study findings on factors like international mobility and collaboration, and how these are influenced by social media. Through a meticulous analysis of publication records, the presentation shed light on the enduring presence of the Matilda effect in academia, and its noticeable influence on professional mobility and online engagement. The findings further illuminated a significant gender gap that is exacerbated by social media, where male scholars tend to receive more citations and academic attention by leveraging these platforms for the dissemination of their research. The seminar attracted approximately 30 individuals, comprising faculty members, Ph.D. students, and scholars from various disciplines.