Berger Matthew N, Taba Melody, Marino Jennifer L, Lim Megan S C, Cooper Spring Chenoa, Lewis Larissa, Albury Kath, Chung Kon Shing Kenneth, Bateson Deborah, Skinner S Rachel
Sex Health. 2021 Nov;18(5):444. doi: 10.1071/SH21110_CO.
Adolescents use social media more frequently than other age groups. Social media has been described as a safe environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer and/or questioning (LGBTQ) adolescents. As part of mixed-methods research investigating the association between social networks and sexual agency, we present qualitative findings on how LGBTQ adolescents connect online to form support networks.We recruited 30 adolescents aged 14-17years who identified as LGBTQ in terms of their gender or attraction in the longitudinal Social Networks and Agency Project. Semi-structured interviews were conducted online or face-to-face across Australia. Thematic analysis was used to explore perceptions and experiences of participants in relation to social media use and relationships.Two overarching themes were identified: LGBTQ adolescents use social media for identity, relationships and wellbeing support. Social media is not always free of discrimination for LGBTQ adolescents. Many LGBTQ participants joined Facebook groups to connect with LGBTQ peers. Facebook was considered a vital support for those with mental health concerns including suicidal ideation. Participants gave and received support from group members, which was considered useful for those feeling isolated or victimised. LGBTQ adolescents formed friendships, romantic relationships and gained information on sex, relationships, and sexual health from these groups. Participants described negative experiences including discrimination within Facebook groups, mismanaged groups and exposure to anti-LGBTQ sentiments.Social media is an environment where LGBTQ adolescents can connect, educate and support each other, which may have beneficial effects for this marginalised group. There remain issues with social media including discrimination against and within LGBTQ communities.
青少年使用社交媒体的频率高于其他年龄组。社交媒体被描述为女同性恋、男同性恋、双性恋、跨性别者、酷儿和/或疑问者（LGBTQ）青少年的安全环境。作为一项调查社交网络与性自主之间关联的混合方法研究的一部分，我们呈现了关于LGBTQ青少年如何在线建立联系以形成支持网络的定性研究结果。在纵向的社交网络与自主项目中，我们招募了30名年龄在14至17岁之间、在性别或性取向方面认定为LGBTQ的青少年。在澳大利亚各地通过在线或面对面的方式进行了半结构化访谈。采用主题分析法来探究参与者在社交媒体使用和人际关系方面的认知与经历。确定了两个总体主题：LGBTQ青少年利用社交媒体来寻求身份认同、建立人际关系并获得幸福感支持。社交媒体对LGBTQ青少年而言并非总是不存在歧视。许多LGBTQ参与者加入脸书群组以与LGBTQ同龄人建立联系。脸书被认为对那些有心理健康问题（包括自杀念头）的人至关重要。参与者从群组成员那里给予和获得支持，这对那些感到孤立或受迫害的人来说很有帮助。LGBTQ青少年在这些群组中建立友谊、恋爱关系，并获取有关性、人际关系和性健康的信息。参与者描述了负面经历，包括脸书群组内的歧视、管理不善的群组以及接触到反LGBTQ情绪。社交媒体是一个LGBTQ青少年可以相互联系、相互教育和相互支持的环境，这可能对这个边缘化群体产生有益影响。社交媒体仍然存在问题，包括LGBTQ群体内部以及针对该群体的歧视。
