“Like Going Through High School All Over Again” – A Social Identity Perspective on Conflict, Exclusion, and Belonging in Online Communities of LGBTQ+ Adults

Navigating the internet can be a multifaceted experience for LGBTQ+ individuals, with the potential to support or harm wellbeing. Online spaces offer access to supportive communities, which can provide a variety of benefits. However, online spaces can also expose LGBTQ+ internet users to anti-LGBTQ+ hate and harassment, in addition to exclusion and discrimination from LGBTQ+ communities themselves. However, the nuances of online dynamics and their effects on wellbeing remain underexplored, particularly through the lens of Social Identity Theory (SIT). The present study addresses the research gap through exploring the online experiences of LGBTQ+ adults, focusing on social interactions and group dynamics. Results from a qualitative survey of 136 participants identified complex inclusionary and exclusionary dynamics, strongly affecting participants' appraisal of their own identity, feelings toward LGBTQ+ others, and their sense of belonging both online and offline. While SIT offers considerable explanatory power for online experiences, the study identifies limitations in its overall applicability. The study's findings highlight the internet's dual role in nurturing and harming LGBTQ+ wellbeing and inclusion.