Covid-19 and LGBT+ youth: social isolation and use of dating apps
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5020/23590777.rs.v24i1.e13543Keywords:
sexual minorities, gender minorities, Covid-19, young people, dating apps, social isolationAbstract
LGBT+ young people are especially vulnerable to distress. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between the perception of social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the use of dating apps by LGBT+ young people. It also aimed to understand the factors related to the use of these platforms and the perception of LGBT+ young people about social isolation. An online survey was carried out in Brazil with 816 LGBT+ young people aged between 18 and 32 years old. A questionnaire proposed by the authors was used to measure the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their lives, the perception of social isolation, and the use of dating apps and other related platforms. LGBT+ young people feel emotionally affected by social isolation, and there is evidence of significant family discomfort regarding their LGBT+ identity. The use of dating apps was not associated with a higher break in social isolation; their use was strongly characterized as a mechanism of social interaction. The study highlighted specificities of social isolation for LGBT+ young people, mainly related to their mental health. Furthermore, dating apps were presented as a tool for coping and social interaction.
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