(PS13-5) Loneliness Impacts Social Media Experiences and Suicide Risk Among Sexual and Gender Minority Youths

Evidence suggests that sexual and gender minority (SGM) teens often report more loneliness and suicidal ideation (SI) compared to their cis-gender, heterosexual peers. While many SGM teens turn to social media (SM) and seek support online, it is unclear how loneliness intersects with their social media experiences and whether positive social media experiences protect teens against the impact of loneliness on SI. This study explores (1) the main effect of loneliness on SI, (2) the reciprocal relationship between positive and negative SM experiences and loneliness, and (3) the interactive effects of loneliness and social media experiences on SI.

SGM youths (N = 219; 79% sexual minority, 68% gender minority) reported feelings of loneliness, positive and negative social media experiences, and past-month SI. Logistical and linear regression models were used to test the main effect of loneliness on suicidal ideation and social media experiences, respectively, and the interactive effects of loneliness and social media experiences on SI.

Results indicated that loneliness is associated with a greater likelihood of SI (B = 0.25, p < .001) and more negative social media experiences (B = 1.04, p < .001) among SGM teens when controlling social media use time. Negative social media experiences also were associated with more loneliness (B = 0.21, p < .001). However, there was no significant association between loneliness and positive social media experiences, nor an interaction between loneliness and social media experiences (positive or negative) on SI.

Loneliness is linked to more negative social media experiences among SGM youths and a greater likelihood of SI, and neither negative nor positive online experiences affect the relationship between loneliness and SI. Researchers and clinicians should design and implement interventions for loneliness tailored to SGM youths and foster a sense of belonging and connections to improve their well-being.