The Relationship Between Computer-Mediated Communication, Identity, and Well-Being Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Adolescents

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session I
  In Interactive Paper Session: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Studies Interactive Paper Session

Abstract

Research suggests that LGB adolescents engage in computer-mediated communication (CMC) more so than their heterosexual peers and that doing so may provide LGB teens with a space to experiment with their sexual identities, find social support, and create community. Grounded in the media practice model, the purpose of this study was to examine the mediating role of sexual identity commitment in the relationship between CMC engagement and well-being among a sample of LGB adolescents. Results indicate that LGB teens engage in approximately four hours of CMC a day. Results also suggest that CMC is positively correlated with well-being and that said relationship is partially mediated by sexual identity commitment, but only for LGB female adolescents. No relationship existed between CMC and sexual identity commitment or well-being among males. Findings are discussed in terms of gender differences.

Authors

• Bradley J Bond, University of San Diego

• Andrea Figueroa-Caballero, UC Santa Barbara