AI Researchers Create the Largest Database for Studying Career Identity
Briefly

Stony Brook University researchers have created the largest dataset for career identity analysis by examining over 51 million Twitter biographies from 2015 to 2021. This study provides insights into how personal perceptions of professional roles change over time. Led by Ph.D. students and faculty, the project analyzed 435 million biography updates and found that users often emphasize prestigious job titles, while trends were affected notably by the COVID-19 pandemic and related unemployment levels. The findings illustrate how career identity influences individual behaviors and social interactions.
"Work is an essential part of our daily lives. It significantly contributes to our sense of identity and how we behave around others," said Skiena.
The study highlights how career identity shapes behavior and social interactions, demonstrating that individuals are more likely to spotlight prestigious roles in their biographies.
Despite 'Restaurant Busser' or 'Clerk' representing a larger workforce, titles such as 'CEO' and 'Owner' were disproportionately highlighted, showcasing a preference for perceived prestige.
One notable observation from the study was a decline in users including job titles in their bios during the COVID-19 pandemic, correlating with rising unemployment rates.
Read at Medium
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