Metaverse Support Groups for LGBTQ+ Youth: An Observational Study on Safety, Self-Expression, and Early Intervention
This study explored whether metaverse-based support groups could address social isolation and suicide risks among LGBTQ+ youths by providing enhanced anonymity, avatar-based self-expression, and improved accessibility. Over one year, 53 individuals aged 14–23 participated in regular online sessions...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
İzmir Akademi Derneği
2025-12-01
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| Series: | Journal of Metaverse |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/4608846 |
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| Summary: | This study explored whether metaverse-based support groups could address social isolation and suicide risks among LGBTQ+ youths by providing enhanced anonymity, avatar-based self-expression, and improved accessibility. Over one year, 53 individuals aged 14–23 participated in regular online sessions facilitated via the "cluster" metaverse platform by a non-profit LGBTQ+ organization. Each 90-minute session included voice and text-based interactions within a specially designed single-floor virtual space featuring conversation areas and a designated "safe area" for emotional regulation. Post-session questionnaires (5-point Likert scales) captured demographics, avatar preferences, self-confidence, and perceived safety, self-expression, and accessibility; responses were analyzed with Pearson's chi-squared test and Mann–Whitney U tests (α=0.05). Results indicated that 79.2% of participants selected avatars aligned with their gender identity, reporting high satisfaction (mean = 4.10/5) and minimal discomfort (mean = 1.79/5). Social confidence was significantly higher in the metaverse compared with real-world settings (p |
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| ISSN: | 2792-0232 |