New research reveals positive links between online content creators and young LGBTQ+ people’s social connections

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SAN FRANCISCO, September 30, 2024

SAN FRANCISCO , Sept. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — New research conducted by Hopelab in collaboration with media psychology expert Dr. Bradley Bond sheds light on the powerful role that social media and parasocial relationships play in the lives of LGBTQ+ young people. The study, “Parasocial Relationships, AI Chatbots, and Joyful Online Interactions Among a Diverse Sample of LGBTQ+ Young People,” provides a detailed understanding of how unique online connections with media figures, such as social media content creators, contribute to positive experiences, social connections, and identity development of young queer people. The study also includes data on LGBTQ+ young people’s use of AI chatbots to conduct interactive conversations.

The results suggest that parasocial relationships – one-way relationships formed with media figures – are a strong source of support and connection for LGBTQ+ young people, a group that experiences loneliness and depression at significantly higher rates than their peers. Data suggests that parasocial relationships are also particularly important for transgender and nonbinary young people.

“Conversations about the well-being of LGBTQ+ young people often focus primarily on harms rather than ways to improve joy,” said Dr. Mike Parent, principal investigator at Hopelab. “Our data highlights that visibility matters, and relatable content creators provide a path to advance programs and policies that support young queer people as they navigate the evolving technology ecosystem.”

Key Findings:

Additionally, the report examines the use of social media and generative artificial intelligence, highlighting that tools such as chatbots can reduce the impact of personal isolation and loneliness on young transgender and non-binary people. A better understanding of the ways LGBTQ+ young people navigate new technologies and utilize parasocial relationships is critical to inform efforts to minimize harm while building social media literacy and developing policies and programs that support queer joy.

“In a normative hetero- and cisgender society, it is essential that marginalized populations, such as transgender and non-binary young people, have access to resources as they develop their sexual and gender identities,” said Dr. Bradley Bond, a media psychology specialist and expert on .parasocial relationships. “Parasocial relationships and technologies such as generative artificial intelligence can play a key role for LGBTQ+ young people who struggle with isolation and lack of in-person support.”

Data for this study were collected through a nationwide survey of 1,715 LGBTQ+ teens and young adults living in the U.S., ages 13–22. To provide additional depth and context, Hopelab conducted collaborative distillation and reflection sessions with nine LGBTQ+ young people, offering a more complete perspective on the findings.

Download the full report here.

About HopelabHopelab envisions a future where young people have equal opportunities to live joyful and purposeful lives. As a researcher, organizer and science translator, Hopelab is committed to supporting better mental health and wellbeing outcomes for young people. For more information, visit Hopelab.org.

Dr. Bradley J. Bond is a professor in the Department of Communication at the University of San Diego. His research concerns the development and maintenance of parasocial relationships with media figures and the influence of the media on the identity and attitudes of out-groups. Much of his current work focuses on the portrayal of marginalized people in entertainment media and the impact of exposure to identity, stereotypes and prejudice. He serves as a research associate at the Center for Media and Diversity, a member of the Advisory Board of the Center for Scholars and Storytellers, and president of the board of directors of FilmOut San Diego.

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SOURCE Hopelab