Scrolling Toward the Future: An Exploratory Study Examining How Child Life Students Use Social Media for Career Development

For students pursuing a career in child life, the pathway to the profession is complex, and many are looking to social media for guidance. In this cross-sectional exploratory study, participants completed a survey and semi-structured interview to discuss their use of child life related social media for career development. The child life students used TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook most frequently to gain information on the day-to-day activities of a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS), tips for becoming a CCLS, and suggestions for experiential learning activities. Qualitative themes centered on social media’s ability to provide information about the profession and a sense of community, while also noting the need for more content on the career. Such findings provide guidance for creators and consumers of child life related social media, including recommendations for future content.