How Social Media Can Help & Harm LGBTQ+ Youth
Social media can be a double-edged sword for LGBTQ+ youth. It is important that we understand LGBTQ+ youth’s experiences on social media to continue to facilitate safe spaces for exploring identity, finding community, and representation, while developing strategies to reduce the risk of bullying and harassment online.
How social media can help LGBTQ+ youth.
It can provide a sense of community for LGBTQ+ youth, who do not have an in-person support system offline. With Generation Z growing up on technology, many LGBTQ+ youth have already turned to social media to explore and develop their identities. One in four LGBTQ+ youth reported being more “out” online than in-person. Due to anonymity, digital spaces can provide a place to come out when it may not be otherwise safe or comfortable to do so, ask questions, meet others, and engage with queer culture.
The internet has a host of online resources for LGBTQ+ youth to educate themselves on the spectrum of gender identities and sexualities, learn about transitioning and the steps they can take to have their body align with their gender identity, and find local LGBTQ+ spaces. It can also point to LGBTQ-friendly therapists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers.
Social media can provide representation and visibility that LGBTQ+ youth may not have in their personal lives or see in other forms of media like television or movies. Online, they can see different gender expressions and sexual orientations, healthy and loving same-sex relationships, etc.
How social media can harm LGBTQ+ youth.
However, social media is not always a place of refuge for young people. It comes with the risk of cyberbullying, online predators, peer pressure, and access to inappropriate content. Additionally, they may face increased anxiety, depression, issues with body image, self-esteem, sleep, and even, social media addiction.
LGBTQ+ youth are at nearly a three times higher risk of experiencing bullying and harassment online than their straight and cisgender peers, according to a survey by GLSEN. About one-fourth of LGBTQ+ youth said they had been bullied online because of their sexuality or gender expression in the past year. Additionally, LGBTQ+ youth were four times as likely as non-LGBTQ+ youth to say they had been sexually harassed online and three times as likely to have been sexually harassed via text message.
The good may outweigh the bad.
Despite experiences of bullying and harassment online, many LGBTQ+ youth still view the internet as a safe, supportive, and valuable space. Half of LGBTQ+ youth reported having at least one close online friend and rated their online friends as more supportive than non-LGBTQ+ youth did. About two-thirds of LGBTQ+ youth used the internet to connect with other LGBTQ+ people in the past year, and more than 1 in 10 LGBTQ+ youth first disclosed their queer identity to someone online. Joining online communities has helped LGBTQ+ youth reduce social isolation and feelings of loneliness.
Finally, the internet is a catalyst for LGBTQ+ activism. More than three-fourths of LGBTQ+ youth surveyed had taken part in an online group or community that supports a cause or issue, and about half used the internet to participate or recruit others for an event or activity. 68% of LGBTQ+ youth volunteered in person, while 22% said they only felt comfortable being involved online or via text, highlighting the importance of online spaces in civic engagement. Activists like Matt Bernstein (@mattxiv), Madison Werner (@madisonwerner), Schuyler Bailar (@pinkmantaray), and Griffin Maxwell Brooks (@griffinmaxwellbrooks) are using their platforms to educate millions and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion.
While social media use comes with its risks, as it does for any young person, it also provides the LGBTQ+ youth community and support systems, education, resources, and unique opportunities to champion the social causes they believe in.
Written for the Technology and Adolescent Mental Wellness (TAM) Program.
Resources
[LGBTQ+]
- The Trevor Project: Call 1–866–488–7386, Text START to 678–678
- Trans Lifeline (877–565–8860)
- LGBT National Hotline: 888–843–4564
- LGBT National Youth Talkline: 800–246–7743
[General]
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1–800–273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741–741
