"The majority of LGBTQ+ young people agreed that they go online to connect with others because it is difficult to do so in their daily lives, with 38% somewhat agreeing and 36% strongly agreeing,"
"Transgender young people often have little control over their physical surroundings or the level of acceptance in their local communities,"
"However, online spaces can offer an alternative source of support - providing emotional connection, affirming content, and helpful information."
"Even in the face of these risks, LGBTQ+ youth still report using online spaces, possibly due to the variety of benefits they can offer, like a sense of community, support, and resources,"
When LGBTQ+ youth do not feel safe or accepted in daily life, they turn to online communities for connection and support. Lack of access to safe online communities correlates with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation or attempts. Thirty-eight percent somewhat and thirty-six percent strongly agreed they go online because connecting offline is difficult. Forty-four percent of LGBTQ+ youth feel very safe online versus nine percent in person. Transgender youth often lack control over physical surroundings and local acceptance, and online spaces provide emotional connection, affirming content, information, and mutual encouragement. These benefits persist despite social media risks and growing policy restrictions across many states.
Read at TechCrunch
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