Sexual Minorities: Increased hours per day on Twitter and the greater likelihood of making downward social comparisons were the primary social media behaviors

A Comparison of Social Media Behaviors Between Sexual Minorities and Heterosexual Individuals. Sierra Kaiser  et al. Computers in Human Behavior, November 23 2020, 106638. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2020.106638

Rof Degen's take: https://twitter.com/DegenRolf/status/1330755397087621122

Highlights

• Increased hours per day on Twitter and the greater likelihood of making downward social comparisons were the primary social media behaviors associated with the sexual minority group.

• Sexual minority groups, who are already at higher risk for depression and suicide, may benefit from being informed on the possible contribution of excessive social media use on mental health and differing ways to decrease use.

• By aiding sexual minorities in their conscious awareness of their social media use, efforts may be made to help deter the negative psychological effects that is associated with prolonged social media exposure.

Abstract

Introduction: This study’s aim was to identify key differences in social media behaviors of sexual minorities compared to heterosexuals. Importantly, identifying which social media behaviors are more prevalent for sexual minorities helps understand online behavioral differences and promote psychological well-being.

Method: Participants were recruited online (N = 1,294) indicating use of Facebook or Twitter. They completed validated psychosocial questionnaires and responded to questions regarding specific social media behaviors. Univariate comparisons assessed differences in social media behaviors between the sexual minority group (n = 178) and the heterosexual group (n = 1,116). A stepwise binary logistic regression model identified the specific social media behaviors that were most associated with the sexual minority group.

Results: The univariate comparisons identified many differences in social media behavior between the sexual minority and heterosexual groups. Based on the multivariate analyses, the key social media behaviors most associated with the sexual minority group included more hours on Twitter and a higher likelihood of downward social comparisons.

Conclusion: Due to the pervasiveness of social media, potentially negative impacts associated with the social media behaviors of sexual minorities should be further examined. Additionally, positive outcomes to social media behaviors should also be assessed to promote healthier social media use among sexual minorities.

Keywords: Sexual MinorityLGBQSocial MediaDownward Social Comparisons