Connecting without fear: Clinical implications of the consumption of information and communication technologies by sexual minority youth and young adults

Written By INQYR

Craig, S. L., McInroy, L., McCready, L., Di Cesare, D., & Pettaway, L. (2015). Connecting without fear: Clinical implications of the consumption of information and communication technologies by sexual minority youth and young adults. Clinical Social Work, 43, 159–168. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-014-0505-2

Highlights

Background

  • Adolescents are coming of age in a rapidly changing media landscape with increased use of online information and communication technologies (ICTs; e.g., internet, social media, photo/video sharing

  • Sexual minority youth and young adults (SMYYA) may be particularly avid users of both offline and online ICTs

  • Despite considerable risk factors (e.g., cyber-bullying, exploitation, overuse and addiction), ICTs also provide benefits for SMYYA, who experience disproportionate social exclusion and victimization.

Study Description

This grounded theory study used semistructured interviews to assess the ICTs used by 19 urban SMYYA (ages 18–22), and the self-reported importance of ICT use to participants.

Key findings

  • ICTs and online spaces are safer for SMYYA than offline even in more accepting urban environments

  • Many participants also indicated the potential of ICTs to enhance face-to-face clinical work to foster SMYYA’s healthy growth and facilitate their connectedness

  • These findings suggest that clinicians working with SMYYA should:

1) Develop knowledge about online ICTs

2) Consider online ICTs as a source of support

3) Educate youth about risks and opportunities in ICT environments

 
INQYR
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