Using generative AI for large-scale qualitative analysis of social media posts to understand why people leave computer science
Summary
This study uses generative AI for large-scale qualitative analysis of over 10,000 Reddit posts to understand diverse reasons why people leave computer science, including job dissatisfaction and influential factors at different stages of departure.
Findings from this paper
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Every reason people gave for leaving computer science showed up at every stage, from degree program to industry job
In 263 Reddit posts about leaving computer science, all six reasons the study identified appeared at all four points of departure, from students leaving a degree program to professionals leaving computing jobs, though the mix shifted by stage.
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Cite this paper
Ross, A. & Katz, A. (2025). Using generative AI for large-scale qualitative analysis of social media posts to understand why people leave computer science. Journal of Engineering Education. https://doi.org/10.1002/jee.70036
BibTeX
@article{ross2025using,
title = {Using generative AI for large-scale qualitative analysis of social media posts to understand why people leave computer science},
author = {Ross, Amanda and Katz, Andrew},
journal = {Journal of Engineering Education},
year = {2025},
doi = {10.1002/jee.70036}
}