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You Can Form a Part of Yourself Online: The Influence of New Media on Identity Development and Coming Out for LGBTQ Youth

Journal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health · 2013 · 352 citations · 22 references

TL;DR

Internet-based new media are increasingly used by LGBTQ youth, yet little is known about how they influence identity development. The study explores how online media influence identity development and coming out among LGBTQ youth. Grounded theory with 19 participants was employed to investigate this influence. Results show that new media enabled participants to access resources, explore identity, find likeness, and digitally engage in coming out, and that these newly developed identities expanded into their offline lives, with practice implications addressed.

Abstract

Internet-based new media are increasingly utilized by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth, yet little is known about the ways in which it influences their identity development. Employing grounded theory, this study explores the influence of online media on the identity development and coming out processes (n = 19) of LGBTQ youth. Results indicate that new media enabled participants to access resources, explore identity, find likeness, and digitally engage in coming out. Participants also discussed the expansion of these newly developed identities into their offline lives. Practice implications are addressed.