For LGBTQ+ young people, online spaces may serve as a place to explore different identities, find affirmation and support, and gain access to peers like them. However, online spaces also bring the potential for exposure to bullying and anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments being expressed by others. Actively engaging young people to describe this duality is essential to understanding how they experience online environments. With that in mind, Hopelab and Born This Way Foundation conducted a study of over 1,200 LGBTQ+ young people across the U.S. to provide a comprehensive view of their online experiences. The findings highlight how partnerships between young people and trusted adults can create kinder and braver environments that enhance well-being outcomes and reduce depression among LGBTQ+ young people.
The report also examines some of the negative aspects of online environments, such as teasing and bullying, and details how LGBTQ+ young people manage their online safety. Amid evolving platform policies and legislation affecting the safety of LGBTQ+ young people, the research offers concrete strategies for building supportive digital and in-person spaces.
As part of this study, we engaged directly with LGBTQ+ young people about their perspectives on the survey data; they offered their insights on interpreting and sharing these findings. This approach underscores our commitment to equity-centered, youth-engaged research.
Read a young person’s experience of receiving support online in the story link below.
Youth-engaged research explores the benefits and risks of social media for youth mental health and well-being.
Young people who identify as transgender or nonbinary disclose their gender identity online twice as frequently as they do in person (80% online compared to 40% in person).
Nearly half (44%) feel very safe in online spaces compared to just 9% in person.
More than six out of 10 (61%) reported that people were very kind regarding their LGBTQ+ identities online, compared to just over two out of 10 (23%) for in-person spaces.
Those with in-person spaces who were very supportive of their LGBTQ+ identity had nearly half the rate of depression compared to those without such support (28% vs. 53%).
More than one in three young people have experienced bullying and teasing online due to their LGBTQ+ identity in the past year.
The vast majority value a platform’s reputation for being LGBTQ+-friendly (87%) and consider formal moderation important (74%).
Qualitative data highlights ways online friendships offer support and are often the only space for LGBTQ+ young people to feel safe and confident about being themselves.
