In today’s digital age, social media and online platforms have become integral to our lives, especially for young people. But how do these online spaces affect LGBTQ+ youth differently from their heterosexual peers? A recent study explores this question, examining the frequency and severity of online risks, the impact on mental health, and the specific nature of these experiences for LGBTQ+ youth based on their private social media interactions.
The study surveyed 173 youths, including 86 LGBTQ+ youths aged 13 to 21 in the U.S., about their online and offline risks. Participants were asked to upload their Instagram data and flag private conversations that made them feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
The findings reveal that LGBTQ+ youth experience more high-risk conversations in direct messages (DMs) compared to heterosexual peers. These experiences were more severe and often involved messages containing sexual or self-injurious content.
"We found that LGBTQ+ youth experience more high-risk conversations in DMs compared to heterosexual peers," stated the researchers. The statistical analysis indicated significant differences in risky DM conversation frequency between LGBTQ+ and heterosexual youth.
Additionally, there is a strong link between online harassment and self-harming behaviors among LGBTQ+ youth. "LGBTQ+ youth who received more online harassment reported higher levels of self-harm," the study noted. Conversely, those who received sexually risky messages reported higher levels of mental well-being.
"LGBTQ+ youth use private DMs to engage in positive sexual interactions with their peers," explained the researchers, suggesting that these interactions help meet needs for validation.
Despite encountering sexually motivated messages and harassment texts targeting their sexual identity, many LGBTQ+ youth turn to online platforms as vital resources for information about gender, sexuality, and relationships. They often view online-only friends as more supportive than in-person relationships.
These results underscore the complex nature of online experiences for LGBTQ+ youth. While they face higher risks, the internet also serves as a lifeline for support, information, and community. This duality presents a challenge: How can safer online environments be created without cutting off these vital resources?
The research emphasizes developing interventions grounded in lived experiences. For example, Project RISE has effectively reduced internalized stigma among LGBTQ+ youth through single-session online interventions. Organizations like CenterLink provide moderated support chats further supporting tailored approaches.
Social media companies and policymakers are urged to prioritize resources for youths facing severe risks. This triage approach could focus on those most vulnerable to harm by providing human-based resources like trained professionals.
Young people's participation in flagged unsafe activities suggests an awareness that could be harnessed for learning resilience when encountering low to moderate-risk situations.
There is also a demand for specialized education programs tailored to unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth addressing specific forms of harassment they face online.
Establishing support platforms requires continuous engagement ensuring organizations managing crisis intervention services have sufficient resources while tech companies need ongoing testing processes addressing harms to minors.
Prioritizing resources helps address systemic inequalities aiding vulnerable groups including LGBTQ+. By targeting interventions towards those most in need we can work towards closing gaps ensuring well-being regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
This research was co-led by Tangila Islam Tanni at the University of Central Florida and Dr. Mamtaj Akter at New York Institute of Technology under mentorship from Dr. Pamela Wisniewski at Vanderbilt University alongside Dr. Mary Jean Amon at Indiana University Bloomington funded by National Science Foundation though opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect sponsors' views.
