An Exploration of Black Students Interacting With Computing College and Career Readiness Vlog Commentary Social Media Influencers

Abstract

Effective advisement can help to address the disproportionately lower self-efficacy, identity, and sense of belonging experienced by Black students in computing degree programs. Black social media influencers who produce video log (vlog) commentary content on the YouTube platform were investigated to determine the influence they have on improving computing identity for Black students. This exploratory study consists of three studies: first, a synthesis of vlog commentary college and career advisement videos, coding for the quality of advisement, usability, and user experience; second, an advisor effectiveness and user experience survey using a selected Black social media influencer who provides computing college and career advisement; and third, a user experience and interaction preference survey using a selected Black social media influencer. Findings suggest YouTube influencers could be effective, particularly for beginners in the computing field. Future studies intend to further explore Black computing advisement through social media over a long term and at varying levels of interaction.