Social Networking Site Use and Mental Health in Older LGB Canadians in the CLSA
2024
Social Networking Site Use and Mental Health in Older LGB Canadians
Sample size: 21836
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Grady Alexandra, Stinchcombe Arne
Primary Institution: University of Ottawa
Hypothesis
The study examines the differences in social networking site use and its mental health impacts between older LGB and heterosexual Canadians.
Conclusion
Older LGB Canadians use social networking sites differently than heterosexual Canadians, which affects their mental health.
Supporting Evidence
- LGB participants were more likely to use SNS to make new friends compared to heterosexual participants.
- Using SNS to stay in touch with friends was associated with fewer depression symptoms for LGB individuals.
- LGB individuals reported more loneliness when using SNS to make new friends compared to heterosexual individuals.
Takeaway
This study looks at how older LGBTQ+ people use social media and how it affects their feelings. It found that using social media can help them feel less sad.
Methodology
Participants completed self-report measures of SNS use, depression symptoms, and loneliness.
Participant Demographics
The study included 21,836 Canadians, with 583 identifying as LGB.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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