The process of contemporary gay identity development in China: The influence of internet use

Abstract

BackgroundAdolescence and emerging adulthood are critical periods for an individual's sexual identity development. The internet has become a primary avenue for gay identity exploration. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of the internet in Chinese young gay male's sexual identity development.MethodsQualitative interviews were conducted with 37 gay males aged 16 to 29. Data were analyzed using grounded theory methods.ResultsThree categories of identity development in relation to use of the internet were identified: (1) Gay identity confirming, which includes verifying same-sex attraction and connecting the attraction feeling to gay identity through consumption of pornography, Tanbi (boy's love) materials, and searching for information online. (2) Gay identity practicing, includes interacting with the gay community to gain understandings of gay subcultures and make close gay friends, engaging in same-sex sexual and romantic relationship development through online group and interpersonal interactions. The internet practice impact on an individual's cognition and behavior by presenting same-sex sexual contact is normal and common, facilitating longing for a romantic relationship, and facilitating relationship development; and (3) Gay identity coping, includes increasing self-acceptance of gay identity, gaining a sense of belonging in the gay community, increasing autonomy in sexual and romantic relationship development, and growing consideration of coming out to parents. Young gay males' coping efficacy was gained through the lessons learned from identity practice.ConclusionThe findings indicate that an individual's internet practice facilitates gay identity confirmation, enriches identity practice, and promotes the transition from self-identification to identity disclosure and integration. Internet practice also threatens to young gay males' sexual risk behavior, emotional hurts from failed romantic relationships. Interventions including sexual identity education and healthy internet use strategies need to be developed tailored to the developmental characteristics.

Characteristics and influencing factors of anticipated HIV stigma among HIV‐negative/unknown MSM in China: A regression mixture model

“…This stigma can precipitate a decline in their physical and mental health. Moreover, the societal prejudice against MSM in China could have adverse implications for public health, as the apprehension of being identified or inciting suspicion may dissuade these individuals from implementing essential health precautions (Zhang et al., 2022). This study classified HIV‐negative/unknown MSM into 3 profiles based on the stigma level: “low anticipated HIV stigma,” “moderate anticipated HIV stigma,” and “severe anticipated HIV stigma.” Only 12.0% of HIV‐negative/unknown MSM were classified into “low anticipated HIV stigma” group, indicating the lowest level of stigma.…”

Awareness of mpox-related knowledge among men who have sex with men in China

“…Fontenot et al indicated that mobile health interventions are also feasible in promoting sexual health [ 47 ]. Men who have sex with men in China frequently use websites, text messages, and mobile apps to search for HIV-related information, counseling, or testing services to reduce HIV-related risk behaviors and improve the effectiveness of care [ 48 , 49 ]. Furthermore, there may be a link between the increase in STIs, including HIV, and the high prevalence of MPXV outside of Africa; a high proportion of current global mpox cases also involve a history of HIV infection [ 36 , 50 ].…”

Sexual stigmas among lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals with problematic internet use and depression

“…Approximately 8–13% of young adults have experienced PIU during their lifetime ( 7 , 8 ). Given that the Internet has an important role for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) to confirm their sexual identity ( 9 ), connect LGB communities ( 10 , 11 ), find sex partners ( 12 ), and engage in cybersex ( 13 ), it is hypothesized that LGB individuals are more likely to exhibit PIU than are heterosexual individuals. However, the results of studies investigating whether LGB individuals are overrepresented among individuals with PIU have been conflicting.…”