Social Media as Social Capital of LGB Individuals in Hong Kong: Its Relations with Group Membership,Stigma, and Mental Well‐Being |
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| Authors: | Eddie S K Chong Yin Zhang Winnie W S Mak Ingrid H Y Pang |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong;2. Centre for Quality of Life, Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong |
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| Abstract: | Social media are found to facilitate social information exchange among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals who are subjected to social stigma. This study tested the protective role of LGB‐tailored social media uses and gratifications in promoting LGB group membership, which we hypothesized to reduce LGB stigma and enhance mental health among LGB individuals in Hong Kong. Based on a sample of 233 Chinese LGB individuals in Hong Kong, structural equation modeling showed evidence for our hypotheses, χ(df=62)2 = 88.20, GFI = 0.95, CFI = 0.98, NNFI = 0.98, SRMR = 0.07, RMSEA = 0.04. Community surveillance, identity expression, and emotional support on social media may promote mental health by instilling a sense of group membership and reducing stigma. Social media may build camaraderie and bolster resilience among LGB individuals that may otherwise be difficult in conservative regions. |
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| Keywords: | Social media Lesbian/gay/bisexual individuals Hong Kong Stigma Structural equation modeling |
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