Does online support matter? The relationship between online identity-related support, mattering, and well-being in sexual minority men. (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brandt, Stephan A.; Carmichael, Cheryl L.
• Is Part Of: Computers in human behavior. Volume 111(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: Computer-mediated communication -- Online support -- Sexual minority men -- Mattering -- Well-being -- Identity; Interactive computer systems -- Periodicals; Man-machine systems -- Periodicals; 004.019
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2020.106429
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0747-5632

Abstract

Abstract: Research has suggested that computer-mediated communication (CMC) can be effective in facilitating positive psychosocial outcomes when such interactions increase one's perceived social support. These findings bear valuable implications for sexual minority men (SMM), who can experience a lack of social support due to their stigmatized identities, and thus may turn to social networking sites (SNS) for identity-related support. This research quantitatively examined whether perceived identity-related social support received on SNS was associated with positive psychosocial outcomes in SMM. Participants ( N = 205) completed an online survey measuring interactions with similar others (i.e., people who identity as sexual and/or gender minorities) on SNS and face-to-face (FTF), perceived identity-related support from SNS and FTF sources, perceptions of mattering (i.e., feelings that one is important to others), and psychological well-being. Results revealed that identity-related SNS support from similar others was associated with higher psychological well-being above and beyond FTF support. Similarly, SNS support from similar others was associated with higher perceptions of mattering when FTF support from friends was relatively low. These associations were specific to support received from similar others and not from non-similar others (i.e., cisgender heterosexual interaction partners). Results suggest that SNS support from similar others is related to positive psychosocial outcomes for SMM, even when FTF support is lacking. Highlights: Sexual minority men use the internet to connect with supportive similar others. Interactions with similar others are more frequent online than in-person. Online support is associated with well-being over and above offline support. Online support is associated with mattering when offline support is low. Positive associations only found for online support from similar others.