LGBTQ+ Youth & Online Safety: Mental Health Impact

The Importance of Online Communities for LGBTQ+ Youth

Young people identifying as LGBTQ+ frequently seek connection and support online when they don't experience safety or acceptance in their everyday environments. Recent research from The Trevor Project and Hopelab/Born This Way Foundation highlights a correlation between limited access to secure online communities and increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts among LGBTQ+ youth.

Findings from The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project’s study revealed that a significant majority of LGBTQ+ young individuals utilize the internet to connect with others due to difficulties in forming connections offline. Specifically, 38% somewhat agreed, and 36% strongly agreed with this statement.

Hopelab’s Research on Online Safety

Similarly, the Hopelab study indicated that 44% of LGBTQ+ youth feel a strong sense of safety within online spaces, a stark contrast to the mere 9% who feel safe in person. This research underscores the crucial role online belonging plays in the mental well-being of transgender youth, in particular.

Transgender young people often lack agency over their physical surroundings and the degree of acceptance within their local communities, as the study points out. Consequently, online platforms can serve as a vital alternative source of support, offering emotional connection, affirming content, and valuable information.

Navigating the Risks of Social Media

Despite the benefits, LGBTQ+ youth remain susceptible to the potential negative effects of social media, a topic of ongoing discussion among U.S. legislators.

The Trevor Project emphasizes that, even acknowledging these risks, LGBTQ+ youth continue to utilize online spaces, likely due to the diverse advantages they provide, including a sense of community, support networks, and access to resources.

Mutual Support Within Online Communities

These online spaces are characterized by reciprocal support. According to Hopelab, a substantial 74% of transgender youth regularly offer encouragement to others online.

The Impact of Legislation on LGBTQ+ Youth

The increasing importance of these communities coincides with a surge in legislation affecting LGBTQ+ individuals – over 600 bills are currently circulating in the U.S., aiming to restrict the expression of queer identity. Twelve states have already enacted laws that curtail discussions surrounding sexuality and gender identity in educational settings, potentially further isolating LGBTQ+ youth who already face poorer mental health outcomes due to discrimination and harassment.

While studies demonstrate the positive impact of online communities on LGBTQ+ youth mental health, advocates are voicing concerns that new internet regulations could restrict access to these crucial digital support systems.

The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA)

The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) is of particular relevance, having been reintroduced in May after previously passing the Senate but failing in the House.

KOSA aims to hold social media platforms legally responsible for failing to adequately protect minors from potential harm.

Concerns Regarding KOSA

An earlier iteration of KOSA sparked concerns among LGBTQ+ advocates regarding a provision that would have granted state attorneys general the authority to define content deemed harmful to children, especially given the ongoing debates surrounding LGBTQ+ rights at the state level.

Following revisions, KOSA now designates the FTC as the enforcement authority, addressing concerns raised by advocacy groups during the Biden administration. However, the change in FTC leadership following the 2024 election of President Trump has reignited anxieties about potential federal oversight of LGBTQ+ online communities.

The Trevor Project’s study concludes that, “given the impact of unsupportive environments and experiences on LGBTQ+ youth, many may experience mental health challenges and turn to online platforms for connection and support.” Limiting access to these platforms, under the guise of protecting youth, could have detrimental consequences, potentially increasing isolation and diminishing support, ultimately worsening mental health challenges and suicide risk.