Insights from Social Media Day, demonstrated through the lens of the PU Art Museum's approach

Social media often plays a minimal role in typical research, yet this title might catch your attention. However, it's crucial to recall that many studies today, indeed, incorporate social media platforms as part of their research scope, concluding at their end...

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2025 September 5 . 1:41 PM

2 min read

Insights drawn from Social Media Day, demonstrated through the lens of the PU Art Museum's... — Insights drawn from Social Media Day, demonstrated through the lens of the PU Art Museum's exhibition

Princeton University Hosts Social Media Day, Emphasizing the Importance of Understanding and Sharing Art

Princeton University recently hosted a Social Media Day, featuring an interactive demonstration of sharing art on social media platforms. The event was modelled after the "#emptymet" tours at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

During the demonstration, attendees were encouraged to engage with art in a new way, using social media to share their thoughts and experiences. However, there is no available information about who participated as Chief Digital Officer of the Metropolitan Museum of Art at the event.

One of the key resources showcased at the event was the Princeton Index of Medieval Art, a digital archive that provides access to images, texts, and bibliographies related to the art and architecture of the Middle Ages. Established in 1969, this hidden gem for Humanities researchers is located within the Department of Art and Archaeology at Princeton University.

The Princeton Index of Medieval Art: A Valuable Resource

The Princeton Index of Medieval Art is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and art enthusiasts alike. As Professor Jeff Nunokawa from the Department of English stated, "We have a maximum of 30 seconds to produce something that will be of broad interest to as many people as possible." With this in mind, the Princeton Index of Medieval Art is a testament to the university's commitment to making research interesting and accessible.

Robert Durkee '69, Vice President and Secretary of Princeton University, echoed this sentiment, saying, "To help others understand the world they live in, we have to understand it first." By providing a platform for the exploration and sharing of art, the Social Media Day event and the Princeton Index of Medieval Art both embody this ethos.

The Importance of Creativity in Research

Stacey Huang, Engineering Correspondent, emphasized the importance of creativity in making research interesting without sacrificing its integrity. As she noted, "We need to make research interesting without sacrificing its integrity." This approach was evident in the Social Media Day event, where attendees were encouraged to share their perspectives on art in a creative and engaging way.

Research-based Courses and Site-specific Research

In addition to the Social Media Day event, Princeton University is also making strides in research-based courses and site-specific research. For example, a recent fall break saw students participating in site-specific research in Detroit's artist community. Professor Jill Dolan, Dean of the College, stated, "We should strive to think about how to imagine the world differently and offer people alternative perspectives to widely known topics."

Tom Weber '89, Executive Editor of Time Magazine, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of continuing to be curious about the world, even about things that seem routine. As he noted, "We need to continue to be curious about the world."

In conclusion, Princeton University's Social Media Day and the Princeton Index of Medieval Art are both examples of the university's commitment to making research interesting and accessible, while maintaining its integrity. By encouraging creativity and alternative perspectives, these initiatives are helping to shape the future of research and art appreciation.