Remixer Post by Luke Goforth Digital wellbeing is an important conversation for young people everywhere, but especially relevant for LGBTQ+ youth. For many queer teens, online spaces provide opportunities for self-expression and community that may not be available in their everyday lives. According to the Born This Way Foundation, 88% of LGBTQ+ young people feel connected and less alone after receiving support online. The internet can offer a sense of belonging, allowing young people to find similar people in ways they could not easily find elsewhere. Many LGBTQ+ individuals know someone whose involvement in online queer communities has played a significant role in their life. Personally, many of the people I grew up with found friendship and connection through online spaces. While the internet can be a valuable source of connection, it also presents risks. More than one in three LGBTQ+ young people experience cyberbullying due to their identity. When interacting online, it can be difficult to know who someone truly is. I have known people who formed online relationships at a young age only to discover that the person they trusted was fake. Because LGBTQ+ youth may be more likely to seek support online when they fear rejection or discrimination in person, they can be exposed more frequently to these risks. The combination of the vulnerability of youth and online anonymity makes digital safety important for queer young people. Working with Generation Remix, teens can make a difference in the lives of kids all over the world. We can teach those we care about how to stay safe online while engaging in a supportive community online. Online spaces, while possibly dangerous, are proving to be an important place for young queer people, for 95% of LGBTQ+ youth felt appreciative for support they received online. As the generation who will inherit the digital world, the youth are best suited to make it a safe, accepting space for all. As a Remixer myself, I feel that I have been able to give back to my community and to support people who need my help. Generation Remix has encouraged me to reflect on the impact that social media and technology have had on my story. The modern queer experience is often closely intertwined with online spaces and connections, and by making that space a safer place, Generation Remix makes the whole world safer for LGBTQ+ people. It's often intimidating to be your true self. It takes a lot of courage and a lot of faith in the people around you. This Pride Month, remind the young people in your life that your support is unconditional. Let them know they can come to you with questions, concerns, or difficult experiences without fear of judgment. Being a trusted adult can make an enormous difference. Having someone to confide in helps protect young people from online harm and gives them a source of guidance when navigating digital spaces. Even small acts of support can have a lasting impact on an LGBTQ+ young person's life.
Thank you for sharing your story Luke, so incredible!
The message about the impact of a trusted adult is one for all adults who read this to take note. Thank you for that important message, Luke.
This paradox of the digital world providing both a space of safety/belonging and a space of potential harm is so important to keep at the forefront as we work to foster digital wellbeing awareness and agency. Thank you for the insight Luke!
Thank you, Luke for the good work you are doing in the digital world as a Remixer and in the analog world to help everyone feel more safe to be themselves and to connect in real life🙌🏼