How to bring more ✨you✨ into your research posts (without losing credibility)
If you’ve ever found yourself re-reading a social media caption and thinking, “Hmm… does this sound too casual?” - you’re not alone.
A lot of researchers (my past self included!) feel like they have to “sound academic” all the time online. We’re used to writing in a formal tone, backing up every claim, and keeping emotion at a distance. But here’s the thing:
On social media, people follow people - not just research topics.
That means your personality, tone, and voice are part of what makes your content engaging, trustworthy, and memorable. The goal isn’t to “dumb down” your research - it’s to show up as a real person doing meaningful work.
Below are five ways to bring more of your you-ness into your posts - without sacrificing credibility or professionalism.
1. Write how you speak
This is one of the simplest and most powerful shifts you can make.
Instead of:
“My research investigates the intersection of environmental policy and rural development…”
Try:
“I’ve been curious about how environmental policy affects rural communities for years - and now I’m finally diving into the data.”
See the difference? One sounds like a conference abstract. The other sounds like someone you’d actually want to talk to.
Tip: Try reading your caption aloud before posting. If it feels stiff or overly edited, soften it to match your real voice.
2. Use hooks that reflect your tone
The first 1–2 lines of a post are what grab attention. These don’t need to be dramatic - just real.
Here are some examples that let personality shine:
“Not gonna lie - this paper broke my brain a bit.”
“I didn’t expect this article to hit me so hard, but here we are.”
“Ever finish a draft and immediately want to delete it? Just me?”
These kinds of hooks invite people in. They’re also easier for your community to relate to (and comment on!).
3. Share the why behind your work
Don’t just post what you’re working on - talk about why it matters to you.
Examples:
“I started studying this after seeing how [X] affected people in my hometown.”
“This topic frustrates me - and that’s exactly why I keep going.”
“I want this research to actually help people working in ___.”
Letting people see what motivates you builds trust and invites connection.
4. Sprinkle in your interests and quirks
You don’t need to share your entire personal life to bring your personality online. But a few genuine details can go a long way.
You might:
Mention your love of historical fiction or fantasy books
Post your writing setup (snacks and all)
Share a playlist that helps you focus
Talk about the coffee/tea routine that gets you through revisions
These things seem small, but they help people remember you, not just your topic.
5. Be honest about the ups and downs
You don’t need to post only when you have big wins. Sharing your process - your setbacks, slow days, or minor victories - makes your content feel real.
Here are a few post starters you can borrow:
“Today was a slow research day. I read one article and called it a win.”
“Rejection stings. But I’m learning not to take it personally.”
“Finally figured out this method I’ve been avoiding for weeks… feeling proud!”
Being real doesn’t mean being unprofessional. It means being human - and that’s what people connect with most.
Final thoughts: Your tone is your brand
You don’t need to be loud to have a strong voice online. Whether you're quiet, thoughtful, witty, warm, or curious - let that come through in your writing.
You don’t have to overshare. You don’t have to try to be funny. You just have to sound like you.
Want to try this?
In your next post, try adding:
A hook that sounds like you
One personal detail (how you're feeling, what you're reading, what you're working on)
A more natural, conversational tone
You might be surprised how much more confident (and connected) you feel!
xx Melissa from Academedia