Offline and online discrimination and mental distress among lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals: the moderating effect of LGBTQ facebook use

Abstract

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals experience multiple forms of discrimination both offline and online. Most studies have thus far focused on the association between a few forms of offline discrimination and mental distress in this population. Using data collected from 1,735 Israeli LGB individuals, this study examined the associations between 18 forms of discrimination and mental distress across three distinct spaces–offline, on Facebook, and on dating platforms. Furthermore, LGBTQ Facebook use (defined as engagement with LGBTQ individuals, groups and content on Facebook) was examined as a moderator of the association between multiple forms of discrimination and mental distress. Hierarchical multiple regressions and slope analyses established positive associations between multiple forms of discrimination and mental distress in all three spaces. The moderating effect of LGBTQ Facebook use on this association was significant only for gay men. Results also indicated significant differences in number of forms of discrimination faced by LGB individuals from different demographic backgrounds. Additionally, the associations between each form of discrimination and mental distress were examined across the three spaces, with somewhat different results in each space. Overall, these findings emphasize social media’s potential to buffer against the deleterious effect of discrimination on LGB people’s mental health.