Digital communication and social support for disadvantaged youth: A social network survey of youth experiencing homelessness

Abstract

Digital technologies provide people new means for exchanging social support, though the extent to which disadvantaged populations benefit is unclear. Youth experiencing homelessness (YEH) are a vulnerable population with a range of support needs who are active digial media users. We examined the core networks of 621 YEH in the United States to assess how digital-only communication compared with any other form of contact in terms of the social support youth reported receiving. Participants were more likely to receive emotional support, as well as find role models and support for their personal goals, though not material support, through contacts that were digital-only (internet, phone, or social media) in the last month. YEH appear to rely on—and in some cases prefer—digital-only communication to tap into resources for survival and advancement. We discuss the implications for research on ICT use by disadvantaged populations and for interventions to support YEH.