LGBT+ Teens, Social Media Use & Depressive Symptoms

Sexual and gender minority youth are statistically more likely to face severe mental health challenges than their cisgender, heterosexual peers; they consistently comprise a disproportionate percentage of youth who report experiencing depression, suicide ideation and attempted suicide in the United States every year (e.g. Abreu & Kinney, 2018). The aim of this study was to fill a gap in the current literature base by investigating the effects of social media use on sexual and gender minority youth mental health. The researchers conducted an online anonymous questionnaire targeted toward American LGBT+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, etc.) youth ages 14 to 18, which included two separate measurement scales: The Social Network Sites (SNSs) Usage Questionnaire (Shi, Luo, Yang and Liu, 2014) and the Pediatric Depressive Symptoms Survey, which is a shortened version of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) (Irwin et al., 2010). Preliminary results of a Pearson\u27s Correlation analysis did not indicate a significant relationship between social media use and self-reported depressive symptoms. This study’s results could potentially be used to educate practitioners, instructors or queer youth about the relationship between mental health and the use of SNSs

Negative Effects of Coming Out as LGBTQ+ in a Non-Supportive Family

This study will explore the effects of coming out in a non-supportive family. The coming out process is when an individual discloses their sexual identity to another person. Coming out can be a wonderful experience for some or a negative life-changing moment. This interpretive phenomenological study examined the patterns and themes found through four extensive interviews. The four participants recruited through social media and flyers participated in an interview where they were asked questions about their coming out experience. The minor common themes were experiences by three out of the four participants. These minor common themes were failed parenting, coming out tests, sexual orientation as a lifestyle, and fear. While this study was focused on the negative effects of coming out, there were three positive effects: happiness, pride, and freedom. This study will be used in future research and to help guide the field forward when it comes to helping LGBTQ+ individuals

How online self-presentation affects well-being and body image:A systematic review

Sophistication of media technologies offers increasing possibilities for selective self-presentation online. However, how self-presentation affects well-being and body image is unclear. This systematic review aimed to map to what extent and under which circumstances types of self-presentation, versus lurking, support or hamper individuals’ well-being and body image. Seven scientific databases were searched, comprising 55 relevant studies in 52 publications out of 975 publications. Results were mixed: Both self-presentation and lurking can enhance or diminish well-being and body image. Self-presentation, lurking, and well-being were categorized to systematically clarify results, and vital mechanisms were determined to explain differences within and between self-presentation and lurking. For example, lurking at others generally decreased well-being, whereas authentic self-presentation increased well-being. Moreover, the studies’ examined outcomes differed among studies’ culture-of-origin. Finally, results showed the importance of peers in examining effects of self-presentation. Future research should delineate self-presentation types, report on cultural variability, and include peer influence

The Effect of Social Media use on Physical Isolation in Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder

Individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) experience extreme interpersonal conflict, crippling their ability to sustain successful relationships. Consequently, clinicians within the psychological field face difficulty in devising treatments plans which can assist these individuals with suffering minimal relationship loss. The purpose of this study was to understand how current technological methods of social interaction affect individuals who suffer from BPD to improve treatment outcomes. This research was guided by the principles of attachment theory and social baseline theory. A quantitative correlational design using social network analysis and multiple regression analysis was used to examine data from surveys. Participants were solicited using the social media platforms Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. The final sample included six males, 64 females, and four individuals who identified as other. The standardized instruments used to examine the relationship between social media usage and physical isolation in individuals who suffer from BPD were the Five-Factor Borderline Inventory Short Form, Interpersonal Support Evaluation List-12, Perceived Social Support Tool, Social Media Use Questionnaire, and the Social Isolation Scale. The study results revealed that 14% of the variation in social isolation within the sample was contributed to social media usage, implying that social media usage increases social isolation in individuals who suffer from BPD. This information may lead to positive social change by assisting individuals who suffer from BPD and their practitioners in understanding how the use of social media can further impact their ability to create and maintain relationships in the physical world

The Impact of Social Media on Non-Monosexuals’ Responses to Discrimination: A Co-Cultural Approach

This research examines how social media consumption habits predict non-monosexuals’ (people who are neither gay nor straight) communication with dominant groups. Using survey methodology (n=716), the study applies co-cultural theory to evaluate how they respond to discrimination. The findings of this study indicate that non-monosexuals are heavy users of social media and that it plays a significant role in their perceptions of their environment. Several variables including their field of experience, ability, and costs and rewards, can predict non-monosexuals’ communication choices and social media moderates those relationships. Overall, the sample preferred an assertive strategy and an outcome of accommodation, indicating that they hope for equality and use diplomatic conversational tactics to achieve it. Implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research are also included

An Exploration of Social Networking Use and Mental Health in Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming, Gender Non-Binary, and Gender Fluid Persons

Social networking sites (SNS) allow for rapid information sharing in online spaces. Research in the general public suggests that extended SNS use corresponds with poor mental health outcomes such as depression and anxiety. Research regarding SNS use in LGBT populations seems to promote interpersonal connectedness. While such studies tend to include gender non-conforming persons (GNC), this group often represents a minimal proportion of participants. This study sought to explore SNS and mental health in persons identifying as GNC. A grounded theory approach was used to analyze the data to develop a substantive theory regarding SNS and mental health in this demographic. Eight participants were interviewed and each provided feedback regarding their SNS use, mental health, and gender identity. Results indicated that participants largely used SNS for social interaction, which afforded them the opportunity to connect to peers without geographic limitations and with a chosen degree of privacy and anonymity. It also found that when SNS are used in a connection-promoting manner and the user has clearly developed SNS preferences, GNC users will have a larger social support network and increased psychosocial wellbeing. Conversely, passive use such as viewing images and exposure to cyberbullying are associated with upward social comparisons and negative mental health outcomes. The results indicate a clear necessity for additional studies that further expand knowledge and refine clinical competencies while considering SNS use and its relationship to mental health in GNC persons

Identity Spectrums, Analytic Adolescents, and “Gays in Space!”: A Qualitative Investigation of Youth Queer Narrative Reception

abstract: This research study examines the interaction between youth queer narratives and young people through examining my core research question, How do young people engage, interpret, and respond to queer narratives? Applying a feminist narrative analysis to examine the qualitative data, I propose a methodological research shift where the voices of youth are valued as content experts; an artistic shift that moves content-creation away from a top down traditional media model and towards a youth-centered new media approach for art making; an aesthetic shift away from over-used stereotypes, tropes, and stale representations and instead innovate to represent intersectional, spectrum-based diversity of the LGBTQ+ experience. This qualitative research study utilizes questionnaires, focus groups, and case study interviews, to engage adolescent perceptions of queer narratives. The youth, ranging in ages from 15 to 18 years old and living in the Phoenix, Arizona metro area, explore and examine LGBTQ+ themes, characters, plots in traditional and new media. My dissertation examines youth interactions with queer narratives through three chapters. These address themes of: character, identity, and representation; plot and the search for accuracy; and the symbiotic exchange between narrative and community. Throughout the dissertation, young people analyze narratives, reflect on their own lives, and envision the future of youth queer narrative. The youth describe a move away from traditional media and towards new media platforms with user-created content, social network interaction, and the sharing of common experiences with peers. Finally, I examine the implications of both the research findings and the methodology on the future of youth-engaged qualitative research, as well as the performing arts.Dissertation/ThesisDoctoral Dissertation Theatre 201

LGBTQ+ College Students\u27 Perceptions of Social Presence and Self-Disclosure in Online Learning: A Single-Case Study

Social interaction among learners plays a significant role in online learning environments (Garrison, 2006; Kreijns et al., 2014; Mykota, 2017). The construct of social presence in online courses is important because it influences interaction and connectedness among learners and its effects on their learning outcomes and emotional well-being. Social presence at its essence refers to how an individual is perceived as a real person in an online environment (Gunawardena & Zittle, 1997). Online students must decide what aspects of their social identities they share in their interactions with their peers and instructors. Furthermore, LGBTQ+ students must negotiate what aspects of their sexual orientations or gender identities they wish to self-disclose while taking online classes. In the past, research has explored how LGBTQ+ individuals use social media and online resources to negotiate their online social identities. Members of the LGBTQ+ community have used online platforms to explore their identity, facilitate the coming out process, and as a means of social support with other members of the community and its allies. However, LGBTQ+ perspectives regarding online social presence and self-disclosure in online learning environments are unknown. The purpose of this single qualitative case study was to explore LGBTQ+ college students\u27 perceptions of social presence and its indicators, affective expression, open communication, and group cohesion in online courses related to their decisions surrounding self-disclosure. Data collection occurred through recorded participant interviews on Zoom. The interviews used semi-structured, open-ended questions created by the researcher. Interview recordings were transcribed and analyzed to uncover LGBTQ+ participants\u27 perceptions of social presence and the factors that influenced their decisions related to self-disclosure. Their responses were coded and categorized using the Community of Inquiry (CoI) and social identity theory (SIT) as theoretical frameworks. The study\u27s findings showed that the lack of collaborative and interactive activities in online classes that promote social presence left participants uncertain about how they perceived their classmates and how they may have been perceived by them. Participants described their experiences in online classes as lacking a sense of belonging and authentic connection. Furthermore, participants were reluctant to share personal information in the initially limited exchanges with their classmates. Participants\u27 decisions to self-disclose information related to their gender identity and sexual orientation were based on factors like privacy, perceived social and political climate, and openness in professional and personal lives. Participants suggested that creating safe online spaces may reduce barriers to self-disclosure through instructors identifying as allies, sharing pronouns, and displaying symbols associated with support of the LGBTQ+ community. Further research is warranted for LGBTQ+ students\u27 perceptions of social presence in online classrooms where their identities have been affirmed through institutional and environmental support