Files
Abstract
Queer youth frequently go online to meet their developmental and socialization needs. Digital forms of violence may impact these opportunities, though research in this area remains inadequate. This study examines experiences with digital microaggressions for 1,804 queer youth aged 14–24 across three countries. Respondents to a mixed-methods online survey shared the frequency and perceived impacts of their encounters with anti-queer digital microaggressions directed specifically at them, as well as indirectly witnessed by them while online. Overall, youth reported the near ubiquity of anti-queer microaggressions in their digital contexts. Almost all also indicated anti-queer digital microaggressions directed specifically at them at least somewhat affected their emotional well-being (94%). Harmful physical and behavioral health impacts were also reported. Importantly, these direct and indirect experiences impacted youths’ feelings about being queer and talking about being queer. Notably, most participants also believed they grew in positive ways from being a direct target of digital microaggressions (90%). However, few queer youth reported trusting adult professionals (e.g., school counselors, teachers) to help them with these experiences. The pervasiveness and cumulative influence of digital microaggressions in queer youths’ online contexts may have immediate and longer-term impacts. Implications for future research and professional practice are discussed.