When academic leaders disconnect from social media in Finland: Situational rationality, silent resistance

This qualitative study, conducted at Finland's research universities, analyses high-profile academic leaders who have chosen to be disconnected from social media. We conducted individual interviews with 19 leaders and performed a situational analysis to investigate the rationale for abstaining from social media. Academic leaders rationalised disconnection by reasons related to personality, sociability, critical rationality, and health and security. The leaders' intensive involvement in three social worlds intensified the individual rationale for disconnection and enabled the leaders to work successfully despite disconnection. These social worlds were research and science, sensitive academia, and insider networks in society. In the context of the managerial neoliberal university, its promotional communication culture, and competition for visibility, the leaders' disconnection from social media has a dissident, resistant characteristic. The study contributes to prior research through its comprehensive approach to academic leaders' operational environment. Future research should elaborate on the systemic approach to social media in universities.