...please be sure and review the results of the recent "Online Experiences and Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People" from The Trevor Project. Opening line:
Most LGBTQ+ young people agreed that they go online to connect with people because it is difficult finding others to relate to and connect with in their daily lives.
Compared to their cisgender peers, TGNB youth were more likely to agree that they go online to find others because it is hard to make in-person connections (79% vs. 65%), and because they feel they can be their complete selves online (78% vs. 64%).
And what difference can that make?
And so:
Aligning with prior research on the benefits of online spaces for LGBTQ+ youth,4 we found that many LGBTQ+ youth turn to online platforms for connection. Importantly, many also reported that they could be their authentic selves in these spaces. Access to an online space where youth felt safe and understood was related with better mental health and lower likelihood of past-year suicide consideration or attempts. However, LGBTQ+ youth who reported higher rates of mental health problems and considering or attempting suicide in the past year were also more likely to go online to connect with others due to difficulty finding connection in their daily lives.
Can we please stop the incredibly privileged-centered rush to get students "off their phones" and take a better look at why they might be on there?
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