The Impact of Social Media Usage on Loneliness and Body Appreciation Among Queer Individuals

Abstract

This research is primarily concerned with seeking to understand the relationship between social media usage, loneliness, and body image among young queer individuals. A total of 100 respondents were employed in the study. The Social Media Usage Scale (SMUS) was used to assess social media use, the UCLA Loneliness Scale for feelings of loneliness and the Body Appreciation Scale (BAS) for perception of one’s body image. Findings revealed a strong correlation between social media and loneliness implying that the increase in use of social media is associated with an increase in the feelings of disconnection among queer social media users. Social media usage was also negatively correlated with body appreciation. These findings point out the particular problems that the queer community faces in online communication, which include the ever-present exposure to heteronormative standards, identity-based discrimination, and the need for validation, among others. This research calls for greater attention to the experiences of the queer community, the dynamics of social media life, and the need to make these spaces more inclusive for all.