LGBTQ youth face higher online risks

By Tyler Snell

The Internet has proven to be a revolutionary tool that has changed the world – and like many such innovations before it, it’s mostly a blessing, but a little bit of a curse. While the instant communication that the Internet provides has spread access to information globally and helped disenfranchised groups to build and engage their communities, it also provides the means and opportunity for these same vulnerable populations to be harassed and exploited. Whether affecting women, youth, the elderly, or the LGBTQ community, the Internet (and mobile apps) provide a wealth of educational and social resources, but these groups also face higher than average rates of cyberbullying, online exploitation, and abuse.  CONTINUE READING