Hillier L, Mitchell KJ, Ybarra ML. The Internet as a safety net: Findings from a series of online focus groups with LGB and non-LGB young people in the United States. J LGBT Youth. 2012;9(3):225-246. doi: 10.1080/19361653.2012.684642
Abstract:
Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youth face special challenges during adolescence including stigma, alienation, and abuse which have been linked with social costs and negative health outcomes. The Internet has been shown to ameliorate the negative impacts of homophobia by providing access to friendships and support, information, romantic partners, and a gay community. In this qualitative study, internet use of LGB and Non-LGB young people were compared. The LGB young people were more adventurous in their Internet use than non LGB young people, including meeting new people online. Findings have implications for adolescent health professionals and policy makers.
View Accepted Manuscript Here (link will open in a new tab)
This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Journal of LGBT Youth on 13 Jul 2012, available online: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/19361653.2012.684642