Citing Facebook Posts in MLA Style
When it comes to citing online sources, including social media platforms like Facebook, it can be challenging to determine the proper citation style. In MLA style, Facebook posts are considered online sources and require specific formatting and citation rules. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cite a Facebook post in MLA style.
I. General Guidelines
Before we dive into the specific citation rules for Facebook posts, it’s essential to note some general guidelines:
- Facebook posts are considered online sources, and citations should be formatted as such.
- Include the author’s name and publication information.
- Include the title of the post and the date of publication.
- Use a citation format that is consistent with MLA style.
II. Citating Facebook Posts in MLA Style
To cite a Facebook post in MLA style, you can follow these steps:
- Source Type: Facebook post
- Author: None (since Facebook is a public platform)
- Title: Title of the post (e.g. "Facebook post with example quote")
- Date: Date of publication (date the post was created)
- Medium: Facebook
- Format: Blog post
- Length: Short post (typically 100-300 words)
Here is an example of a Facebook post citation in MLA style:
[Facebook post title]
"[Author’s name], Facebook post. Date. Medium, Format. Source."
- [Author’s name]: [Author’s name], Facebook post. Date. Medium, Format. Source.
- [Date]: Date of publication
- [Medium]: Facebook
- [Format]: Blog post
- [Source]: Facebook post (one of the post’s sources)
III. Providing Additional Information
In addition to the basic citation format, you may also need to provide additional information, such as:
- Author’s affiliation: Include the author’s affiliation with the social media platform, if applicable.
- Institutional affiliation: Include the author’s institutional affiliation, if applicable.
- Url: If the Facebook post includes a url, include it in the citation.
- Contributor’s role: Include the contributor’s role in the post (e.g. "Manager, Marketing Team").
IV. Format and Writing Style
When citing a Facebook post in MLA style, the format and writing style should be as follows:
- Length: Short post (typically 100-300 words)
- Font: 12-point font
- Margins: Double-spaced, 1 inch margins on all sides
- Headings: No headings (use subheadings instead)
V. Examples
Here are some examples of how to cite different types of Facebook posts in MLA style:
- Short post: Facebook post, "Example quote from Facebook post," Date. Medium, Format. Source.
- Long post: Facebook post, "Facebook post with multiple quotes," Date. Medium, Format. Source.
- Multimedia post: Facebook post, "Facebook post with video clip," Date. Medium, Format. Source.
VI. Additional Resources
If you are having trouble citing a Facebook post in MLA style, you can consult the following resources:
- MLA Handbook (8th ed.): Chapter 3, Section 4.5, "Citing Online Sources"
- Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL): "Citing Online Sources"
- Social Media and Citing Online Sources: Oxford University Press
VII. Conclusion
In conclusion, citing Facebook posts in MLA style requires specific formatting and citation rules. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and consistent. Remember to always consult the MLA Handbook or online resources for more information on citing online sources.
References:
- MLA Handbook (8th ed.)
- Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL)
- Oxford University Press
- Social Media and Citing Online Sources (Oxford University Press)