The Internet’s Multiple Roles in Facilitating the Sexual Orientation Identity Development of Gay and Bisexual Male Adolescents

Abstract

One emerging avenue for the exploration of adolescents’ sexual orientation identity development is the Internet since it allows for varying degrees of anonymity and exploration. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine the role of the Internet in facilitating the sexual orientation identity development process of gay and bisexual male adolescents. Qualitative interviews were conducted with an ethnically diverse sample of 63 gay/bisexual male adolescents (ages 15–23). Participants reported using a range of Internet applications as they explored and came to accept their sexual orientation identity, with the intended purpose and degree of anonymity desired determining which applications were used. Youth reported that the Internet provided a range of functions with regard to the exploration and acceptance of their sexual orientation identity, including: 1) increasing self awareness of sexual orientation identity; 2) learning about gay/bisexual community life; 3) communicating with other gay/bisexual people; 4) meeting other gay/bisexual people; 5) finding comfort and acceptance with sexual orientation; and 6) facilitating the coming out process. Future research and practice may explore the Internet as a platform for promoting the healthy development of gay and bisexual male adolescents by providing a developmentally and culturally appropriate venue for the exploration and subsequent commitment to an integrated sexual orientation identity.

Geosocial Networking Application Use, Characteristics of App-Met Sexual Partners, and Sexual Behavior Among Sexual and Gender Minority Adolescents Assigned Male at Birth

“…Among adult GBQ-app users, it is routine for such apps to facilitate the development of other types of relationships, such as sexual relationships that later evolve into friendships or serious partnerships (Gudelunas, 2012;Holloway et al, 2014;Macapagal et al, 2016). For SGM AMAB adolescents, however, who are less likely to be out about their sexual orientation identity and may lack access to other SGM peers and potential partners where they live, sexual networking applications have the potential to contribute to a sense of belonging and social support similar to other online spaces and social media (Craig & McInroy, 2014;Harper et al, 2016).…”

“…Although GSN apps focused on sex and dating typically require users to be over age 18, these technologies also may appeal to sexual and gender minority minor adolescents (i.e., under age 18) assigned male at birth (SGM AMAB; e.g., gay/bisexual adolescent boys, genderqueer youth AMAB). For adolescents who have not yet disclosed their sexual orientation identity or same-sex/gender attractions to others, or who may lack access to same-sex/gender partners where they live, GSN applications can provide a convenient, discreet way to find partners who themselves identify as sexual minorities (DuBois et al, 2015;Harper, Serrano, Bruce, & Bauermeister, 2016). As with adults, these applications have the potential to foster SGM AMAB's psychosocial well-being by helping them explore or confirm their sexual identity or reduce feelings of isolation.…”

Sexual Orientation and Depressive Symptoms in Adolescents

“…The mediating role of cyberbullying victimization may reflect an extension of bullying in traditional and/or school settings to the cyberspace. 43,44 Recent studies reveal that sexual minority adolescents could benefit from accessing information and resources related to their sexual identity through electronic means, 45,46 although this might also make them more vulnerable to the experience of cyberbullying. 47 Accordingly, the experience of cyberbullying could limit sexual minority adolescents' comfort level in using these resources.…”

Predictors of Facebook User Engagement With Health-Related Content for Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men: Content Analysis

“…Broadly, we summarize these needs by three activities: identity management, communication, and social bonding. In the context of GBM health, sexual minorities have always needed spaces where they can engage in these activities, and social media has come to provide such spaces [ 11 , 12 ].…”