Confronting the critics of public engagement

Not all researchers believe in interacting with the public. But public engagement can help science move from the realm of exclusivity towards inclusivity. Apart from the fact that tax payers have the right to know how their money is being utilized, public engagement can help them understand and even participate in policy making. It can bridge the gap between the scientific and the non-scientific community, thus reducing instances of sensational journalism and miscommunication. I have discussed the importance of public engagement in detail in this post: http://www.editage.com/insights/lets-talk-science-why-researchers-ought-to-reach-out-to-the-public.

What are the pros and cons of using social media for outreach programs in Higher Education?