Facebook Groups for Multiracial People: A Latent Profile Analysis Reveals Unique User Subtypes and Links with Depressive Symptoms

Abstract

Social media (SM) groups can connect users to similar others and may be particularly valuable for marginalized populations who lack support in their offline lives. Prior research highlights substantial heterogeneity in users’ engagement with and experience in SM groups, which may relate to social and emotional health in important ways. The current study used a cross-sectional survey of users of Facebook groups for multiracial people (N = 424) to identify user profiles and test how profiles relate to depressive symptoms and global sense of belonging. Latent profile analysis identified three profiles: (1) casual users (62% of users), who engaged more passively yet experienced moderate levels of belonging in the group; (2) invested users (21%), who reported high active participation, self-disclosure, belonging, and perceived similarity; and (3) dissatisfied users (17%), who reported moderate active and passive use and self-disclosure, yet low belonging and high negative experiences. Invested users reported significantly greater depressive symptoms compared to dissatisfied users (d = .46) and significantly lower global belonging compared to casual users (d =  − .33). Men were more likely to be dissatisfied users, and LGBTQIA + individuals were more likely to be invested users. Findings support the social compensation hypothesis of SM use and the importance of considering gender and sexual orientation in the realm of online group participation. Although further research is needed to clarify causal pathways, findings suggest the potential value of SM groups as a source of connection and support for those who are distressed or lack access to offline support.