Navigating identity in digital spaces: An exploratory study of social engagement and interactions

Through a focus group approach in an exploratory qualitative study, we aim to understand how engagement on digital platforms varies by social identities including race and ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and religion, and the respondents' response to both positive and negative interactions.

This study involved data collection from six focus groups, two included members of the general population, two focused on the experiences of People of Color (POC), one that included women gamers, and one for all gamers. Participants were asked various questions to aid in the research team's understanding of participants' perceptions of their online experiences with topics including platform engagement, positive and negative online experiences, social connections, identity-based perceptions online (e.g., race and ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and religion), and online protection.

The results show that the majority of Black and LGBQ participants report experiencing identity-related discrimination online. Women were more likely to report feeling unsafe while on gaming platforms and more frequently used security measures to conceal their voice, identity, and background to reduce discriminatory experiences. Many study participants reported using social media and gaming platforms to build connections, feel a sense of community, and engage in diverse relationships.

This study's findings provide insight into the potential of social media and gaming platforms in promoting self-expression, social connectedness, and a strong sense of community. However, our results also demonstrate the ways in which many digital spaces foster discrimination, harassment, fetishization, and exclusion - all of which can exacerbate negative health outcomes among marginalized individuals.