HASHTAGS AND HADAL ZONES: INVESTIGATING PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT WITH THE MARIANAS TRENCH ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Authors: Amaka Felicia Nwachukwu
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17465535
Published: April 2024
Abstract
<p><em>The Mariana Trench, the deepest part of Earth's oceans, has long been an enigmatic and largely unexplored region, capturing the imagination of both scientists and the general public. Located in the Western Pacific Ocean, this mysterious trench has remained difficult to access, yet its allure has grown in recent years, largely due to the influence of social media. Platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok have become vital in disseminating information and sparking widespread interest in the trench, bridging the gap between scientific exploration and public curiosity. This paper explores the role of social media in transforming public awareness of the Mariana Trench, highlighting how visually engaging content—ranging from 3D animations and submersible exploration videos to infographics—has democratized access to information. The shift from scientific exclusivity to mass engagement via these platforms has not only made the trench a trending topic but also fostered a deeper, more widespread curiosity about the deep ocean, a domain once restricted to specialized communities. By analyzing the intersection of science and social media, this study underscores the powerful role social media plays in shaping modern scientific discourse and public fascination.</em></p>
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