Poster #129 - Digital Literacy and Professionalism: A Qualitative Analysis of Social Media Use Among Criminal Justice Students

• In Event: Poster Session II (posters 80 – 155)

Abstract

Social media platforms have become deeply embedded in the daily lives of college students and increasingly influence how individuals present themselves publicly. For students pursuing careers in criminal justice, online behavior may carry additional implications due to the professional standards and ethical expectations associated with the field. This study explores the publicly accessible social media activity of criminal justice majors through a qualitative thematic analysis. Posts, images, profile information, and other publicly shared content are examined to identify recurring themes related to self-presentation, privacy awareness, digital professionalism, and potentially risky online behavior. The study also discusses how students’ digital footprints may affect employability, background investigations, and perceptions of professionalism within criminal justice agencies. Findings contribute to broader discussions surrounding digital literacy and professional development among college students.

Author

• Justin N. Crowl, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania - Mansfield