Social Networking Technology Use and Engagement in HIV-Related Risk and Protective Behaviors Among Homeless Youth

Abstract

Preliminary studies with homeless youth find surprisingly pervasive social media use and suggest youths’ online interactions may be associated with their HIV-related risk and protective behaviors. As homeless youth are transient and difficult to engage in place-based services, social media may represent a novel venue for intervention. A critical first step in intervention development is gaining greater understanding of how homeless youth use social media especially as it relates to whom they connect to and around what topics. Given the salience of Social Networking Sites in the lives of these otherwise difficult to reach adolescents, and their potential to disseminate prevention interventions, this study assessed associations between online social networking technology use and HIV risk behaviors among homeless youth in Los Angeles, California. Homeless youth ages 13 through 24 (N=1046) were recruited through three drop-in centers and surveyed about their social media use and self-reported HIV-related risk behaviors. Results suggest that social media use is widely prevalent among this population, and the content of these online interactions is associated with whether or not they engage in risk or protective behaviors. Implications for interventions and further research are discussed.

LGBTIQ+ Homelessness: A Review of the Literature

“…LGBTIQ+ homeless people have a disproportionately high rate of HIV infection when compared to the non-LGBTIQ+ homeless population [71,72]. However, the literature also indicated LGBTIQ+ people who are homeless are more likely to have recently been tested for HIV than non-LGBTIQ+ people who are homeless [73]. Improved public education and awareness, targeted at both homeless and wider populations, as well as accessibility of testing, has increased the levels of testing [72,74].…”

“…Improved public education and awareness, targeted at both homeless and wider populations, as well as accessibility of testing, has increased the levels of testing [72,74]. Greater levels of HIV testing can result in earlier detection and safer sexual practices [73]. Thus, homeless populations are vulnerable to physical ill-health, and LGBTIQ+ homeless populations are particularly vulnerable to HIV infection, despite their high rates of testing.…”

The impact of social media on risk perceptions during the MERS outbreak in South Korea

“…Media outlets, including television and newspapers, have played a large role in informing the public of health issues as well as shaping the public perception of those issues (Lin & Lagoe, 2013;Morton & Duck, 2001;Shim & You, 2015). In recent years, the numbers of people using social media, such as Facebook or Twitter, has increased, and the use of social media as an informational source for health can influence people's cognition or behavior related to health issues, including risk perceptions and preventive behaviors (Barman-Adhikari et al, 2016;Young & Rice, 2011).…”

HIV videos on YouTube: helpful or harmful?

“…Social media is an often-used source of information regarding HIV/AIDS 1. YouTube is the most popular video sharing site on the internet, which allows users to share unregulated medical information.…”