LGBTQ+ people often experience more challenges when it comes to well-being and mental health (Berger et al., 2022). The term LQBTQ+ includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning individuals, as well as anyone whose sexual orientation or gender identity is different from the traditional norms (Russell et al., 2023). For many LGBTQ+ youth, social media platforms can provide a safe space to interact with others and escape traditional gender expectations (Berger et al., 2022). This essay looks at the role of social media in supporting the well-being of LQBTQ+ youth, focusing on topics like identity exploration, community connection, mental health support, and the challenges of online engagement.

Coming to terms with identity can be very isolating for LGBTQ+ individuals. Queer youth often experience a lack of supportive environments at home and school (Mousavi et al., 2024). Because of this, many LGBTQ+ youth turn to social media as a means to express themselves without fear of judgement or criticism. Social media can play an important role in providing a safe space to freely explore and express LGBTQ+ individuals’ gender and sexual identity more freely and safely (Berger et al., 2022). Among LGBTQ+ youth, social media platforms like Twitter and Tumblr are very popular (Berger et al., 2022). Unlike Facebook, which usually feels more public, Tumblr allows users to stay anonymous. This makes it much easier for individuals to be open about who they are without fearing judgment (Berger et al., 2022).

With the help of Tumblr, many LGBTQ+ youth discover terms and identities that they might never hear in their day-to-day life. Robards et al. (2020) described how an asexual user was first introduced to the concept of asexuality through the app. This helped them to better understand and learn about their identity in a safe and judgement-free way. Robards et al. (2020) provide another example, where a lesbian user who was raised in a strict and homophobic household was introduced to the LGBTQ+ community and discovered her identity through Tumblr. This illustrates how social media platforms can be a supportive space, helping young people understand themselves and giving them the confidence to express their true identity.

Other platforms like YouTube and Pinterest also play an important role in identity exploration. These social media platforms allow LGBTQ+ youth to relate and see themselves in the experiences shared by others (Craig et al., 2021). This can be validating for individuals who may feel alone, helping them realise that their feelings and identities are real. Watching creators speak openly about their identities and experiences allows viewers to feel represented. For transgender youth especially, YouTube offers tutorials and advice on topics like binding, which might not be accessible to them outside of social media (Fox & Ralston, 2016).

Through quantitative studies, a total of 55% of research examined LGBTQ identity development and management (Berger et al., 2022). Social media was consistently reported as a safer space for identity development compared to offline spaces. Young people who used social media more frequently were usually more confident exploring their identities and reported feeling better overall (Berger et al., 2022). According to a survey done in 2021, around 70% of LGBTQ+ youth found supportive and identity-affirming spaces on the internet, while only half experienced this kind of support in school and just 34% at home (Fisher et al., 2024).

Many LGBTQ+ youth live in conservative or unwelcoming environments where open expression may be dangerous or discouraged. In over 69 countries, same-sex relationships are still criminalised, and gender nonconformity can result in legal consequences in several others (Berger et al., 2022). Because of this, building a sense of community in their home countries can be difficult for LGBTQ+ youth. Social media platforms, however, allow LGBTQ+ individuals to create meaningful relationships with others who share similar identities and experiences. Online communities can be spaces that encourage a strong sense of self-worth and foster confidence for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Many LGBTQ+ youth find that engaging with supportive online spaces allows them to better learn and take pride in who they are (Fisher et al., 2024). Research shows that LGBTQ+ youth tend to perceive online communities as safer and more supportive than those offline. Online spaces give them more control over the information they want to share about themselves and who they share it with. It allows them to make new connections with people in similar positions to themselves. Sometimes, these connections online can serve as their only source of emotional support. Many young people report that these online friendships and relationships have positively impacted their self-esteem, as they are able to bond with like-minded people and feel more confident in themselves (McInroy et al., 2019). Furthermore, these spaces allow them to connect with people outside their immediate circle, creating a broader network of support. According to Cserni and Talmud (2015), the more LGBTQ+ youth engage with these online communities and friends, the stronger their sense of social connection and belonging becomes. These online communities are not only about finding friendships but also about validating their experiences with their gender and/or sexuality (Cserni & Talmud, 2015).

A study conducted by Eickers (2024) examined the social media practices and experiences of 25 LGBTQ+ individuals. The study’s results revealed that social media plays a major role in creating a sense of belonging for LGBTQ+ individuals. Many participants, especially those living in rural areas, shared that connecting with others online helped them feel less isolated. Social media was found to be a way for LGBTQ+ people to access a community. For example, one participant, Suki, described how her first online interaction with another transgender person led to in-person friendships.

Many LGBTQ+ youth struggle with anxiety, depression, self-harm and feeling isolated. This is often caused by the stigma and rejection they face in the real world. For them, social media can be a place to find support when it is hard to get elsewhere (Berger et al., 2022). Craig et al. (2021) developed a set of questions that were used to measure how LGBTQ+ youth engage with their favourite social media platforms like YouTube, Twitter and Tumblr in ways that positively affect their well-being. While a lot of past research has focused on the negative impacts of social media, like addiction, anxiety, and sleep disruption, this study focused on its benefits. It led to the development of the Social Media Benefits Scale (SMBS), a tool designed to measure how social media contributes to LGBTQ+ youth’s sense of belonging, identity exploration, and emotional support. The questions used in this study came from research, interviews, and direct input from LGBTQ+ youth themselves (Craig et al., 2021). For participants taking this questionnaire, their reasons for using social media included a need for connection, to share their stories, or to find others who understand the queer experience. These motivations show the emotional and social needs of many LGBTQ+ youth and suggest that social media can play a valuable role in supporting their mental health (Berger et al., 2021). Many participants described social media as essential for their well-being, particularly when they feel isolated. Thus, (Craig et al., 2021) highlight how social media can intentionally and meaningfully foster connection. Through social media, LGBTQ+ youth not only receive mental health support but also can help others (Berger et al., 2021).

Youth with limited support and greater stress, especially those with marginalised identities like LGBTQ+ individuals, can benefit from online communities. For LGBTQ+ youth facing rejection in their day-to-day life, social media can reduce stigma and boost well-being (Hamilton et al., 2024). According to Hamilton et al. (2024), social media can be used as a tool for identifying mental health problems. For example, people’s posts can sometimes indicate when they are in distress. This could help with spotting warning signs early. There have been cases where songs mentioned on social media influenced real-life behaviours. For example, more people went to seek help after hearing Logic’s song “1-800-273-8255”, named after the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Additionally, social media also helps reduce stigma around mental health by making it easier to talk about. For instance, tweets during World Mental Health Day are uplifting and encourage others to seek help. Youth often go online to learn about mental health, and many find it easier to talk about personal issues anonymously. This can encourage them to seek help and connect with the right resources (Hamilton et al., 2024).

While social media can be a great tool for LGBTQ+ youth to connect, express themselves and find support, it can also come with serious challenges. For many, being open about their identity online can lead to bullying, harassment and discrimination. Research shows that LGBTQ+ youth are more likely to spend extended time online since digital platforms provide a space where they feel comfortable expressing their identity. However, this increases their risk of coming across harmful content. This can include direct cyberbullying or coming across hateful or discriminatory posts about others who share their identity (Fisher et al., 2024). This form of bullying can be extremely harmful for LGBTQ+ youth, who already face high rates of discrimination in offline environments.

Repeated exposure to cyberbullying can result in high stress and anxiety. Some LGBTQ+ youth may begin to retreat from online spaces that previously felt safe from fear of being targeted. In some cases, this can lead to a loss of community, the importance of which has previously been outlined (Ojeda et al., 2023).

Research consistently shows that being cyberbullied, either alone or in combination with in-person bullying, is linked to a higher chance of suicidal thoughts and ideations. For instance, a study found that in LGBTQ+ youth who experienced cyberbullying, 35% had suicidal thoughts, and 14% had actually tried to take their own life (Cooper & Blumenfeld, 2012). Another study found that LGBTQ+ youth who experienced cyberbullying were more than twice as likely to have suicidal thoughts compared to their peers who had no experience with cyberbullying (Cénat et al., 2015). Furthermore, a survey conducted by Kessel Schneider et al. (2015) found that one in three LGBTQ+ students who were cyberbullied experienced depression. Thus, both Cénat et al., (2015) and Kessel Schneider et al. (2015) have concluded that regardless of sexual or gender orientation, depression, psychological distress and suicidal ideation are far higher in individuals who have been victims of cyberbullying than those who have not. Cyberbullying that is homophobic in nature is incredibly damaging to youth in sexual minorities. Cénat et al., (2015) found that 94.4% of lesbian participants who experienced homophobia via bullying reported experiencing suicidal thoughts compared to 20.9% of lesbian participants who experienced suicidal thoughts without homophobic bullying. This statistic is higher than cyberbullying in general, where 55.6% of lesbian youths affected by cyberbullying experienced suicidal thoughts in comparison to the 24.7% who reported suicidal thoughts and were not victims of cyberbullying (Cénat et al., 2015).

Research shows that as a consequence of bullying and online hate, many LGBTQ+ youth change the way they interact with the world (Keighley, 2021). Some hide their identity completely, stop posting on social media or avoid certain platforms. Others pull away from their friends and spend more time alone as a way to protect themselves. The fear is not only emotional but also physical, with some feeling unsafe expressing themselves in public (Keighley, 2021). Many LGBTQ+ youth lose trust not only in their peers but in the world around them, feeling unsupported by society. Keigley (2021) found in their study that LGBTQ+ participants felt anxious and fearful of rejection after experiencing bullying. The constant exposure created a sense that being different made them a target (Keighley, 2021). Cénat et al., (2015) had similar findings, describing how youth in sexual minorities who experienced cyberbullying felt exposed and vulnerable, reporting feeling anxious about who or how many people had seen or were able to access content surrounding their cyberbullying.

To conclude, social media plays an important role in supporting the well-being of LGBTQ+ youth. Offering spaces for identity exploration, self-expression and connection. Platforms like Tumblr, Youtube and Twitter give LGBTQ+ youth the opportunity to discover information on queer identities, find representation, and feel less alone, especially if they are exposed to unsupportive or hostile environments. Social media has become a source of support and community for many LGBTQ+ youth, offering validation and a sense of belonging. Studies show that engaging in these online spaces can boost self-esteem and positively impact mental health. However, social media also exposes LGBTQ+ youth to risks such as cyberbullying and hate speech, which can lead to an increased risk of psychological distress, depression and suicidal ideations. Despite these challenges, many LGBTQ+ youth still find empowerment and community online. Moving forward, it is important to create safer, more welcoming online spaces for LGBTQ+ youth to feel supported and comfortable in expressing their true selves. 

References

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