Social media identities of African immigrant youth: implications for educators

Abstract

Despite their growing numbers and influence, there is limited research on African immigrant youth in the U.S. The purpose of this exploratory study is to examine the multiple identities that first and 1.5 generation African immigrant college students enact in their online worlds. By developing a deeper understanding of how these youths enact and perceive their online identities, educators and administrators may be better able to support their educational and professional goals. Open-ended questionnaires were administered and an analysis of social media accounts was conducted to understand the shifting identities that the participants performed in their online worlds. This nuanced understanding of the participants’ online lives may enable educators and policy-makers to better design educational opportunities for first and 1.5 generation African immigrant youth.