Social media in learning on nature: case Finnish amateur mycologists

Abstract

<div><h3>Purpose<br></h3><p><br></p><p>Eco-social crises such as the loss of biodiversity call for transformative learning. This study analyzes the prospects of social media in learning about nature.<br></p></div><div><h3>Design/methodology/approach<br></h3><p>The study is placed in the intersection of science and technology studies, futures studies, environmental social sciences, and environmental humanities. The study draws on a qualitative case study of a mycologists' Facebook group. The empirical material was collected through digital ethnography.</p></div><div><h3>Findings<br></h3><p>Social media provides opportunities for learning about nature for many people. However, specialized naturalist social media groups are increasingly geared towards citizen science. The development may fragment the online naturalist cultures and narrow the scope for learning.</p></div><div><h3>Research limitations/implications<br></h3><p>Insights from a single case study cannot be broadly generalized. However, the case highlights significant features to consider in promoting collective learning in social media in the future.</p></div>