Young people’s perceptions and experiences of social media for social support and sexual interactions

Abstract

Background: Social media use is common among adolescents and is fundamental to how they experience their world. Social media has been described as a safe environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer and/or questioning (LGBTQ) adolescents. This thesis aimed to first describe the effects of social media on mental health and wellbeing among LGBTQ youth. Second, I used qualitative data to explore social support for LGBTQ peers. Lastly, I explored attitudes and experiences of adolescents regarding flirting and dating app use. Methods: For the systematic review (Chapter 2), five databases were searched, papers that satisfied the inclusion criteria were assessed for quality and findings were qualitatively synthesised. For Chapters 4 and 5, data from 61 adolescent participants in the longitudinal Social Networks and Agency Project (SNAP) aged 14-17, of which 30 identified as LGBTQ, were used. In SNAP, semi-structured interviews were conducted over an 18-month follow-up at three time points (baseline, midpoint, and endpoint). Thematic analysis of data was undertaken to explore perceptions and experiences of participants in relation to social media use, social support, and sexual interactions. Results: In the systematic review (Chapter 2), we found that most studies reported a positive association or relationship between mental health and wellbeing and social media use for peer connection, identity development, and social support. However, this review noted some risks for negative mental health and wellbeing usually where there was prejudice or excessive use of social media. Three overarching themes were identified in study two (Chapter 4): (1) LGBTQ adolescents use social media for identity, relationships, and wellbeing support, (2) social media is not always free of discrimination for LGBTQ adolescents, and (3) non-LGBTQ adolescents rely on in-person networks. LGBTQ Facebook groups were considered a vital support for those with mental health concerns. Participants gave and received support from members of the group which was considered useful for those feeling isolated or victimised. Participants described negative experiences including discrimination within Facebook groups, mismanaged groups, and exposure to anti-LGBTQ sentiments. Study three (Chapter 5) identified three overarching themes: (1) to sext or not to sext (send/receive sexually explicit content online), (2) flirting online is comfortable, but in-person is preferable, and (3) dating apps are part of adolescent networking. Negative attitudes were expressed mostly due to unsolicited sexts however, benefits such as maintaining intimate connections were seen. Trust and comfort were important factors in the practice of consensual sexting. Online flirting and approaching potential partners were common on social media platforms but not dating apps among adolescents. Dating app use was relatively common but mostly for entertainment which became more sexual in later interviews (i.e., midpoint and endpoint). Conclusion: Social media is an environment where LGBTQ adolescents can connect, educate, and support each other, which may have beneficial effects. There remain issues with social media including discrimination against/within LGBTQ communities. Social media plays vital roles in sexual interactions among adolescents. This research may inform policy and be useful in understanding social media roles for professionals.