Effects of social media on LGBTQ+ health

Numerous studies have focused on the effects of social media on adolescent health and well-being during their formative years, highlighting both positive and adverse outcomes faced by adolescents. Yet, the effects on minority groups, especially stigmatized communities like queer youth, remain less acknowledged. The term LGBTQ+ refers to people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning.& Due to limited acceptance in many parts of our society, along with lack of family and community support, LGBTQ+ youth often seek community and support in online environments such as social media. CÉSAR ESCOBAR-VIERA Dr. César Escobar-Viera, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral and Community Health Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh, works to improve the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth as they navigate the complexities of social media.& Through his research group called& the PRIDE iM lab, he develops and implements digital interventions for and with young people, often with a focus on educating and providing online resources to LGBTQ+ youth so they have more positive experiences on social media. . The PRIDE iM lab focuses on better understanding the bidirectional relationships between social media use and mental health, while recognizing and leveraging the critical role of supportive...