COVID-19 made online technologies more prevalent as a means of connection. Particularly for young 2SLGBTQ+ people who live in rural Nova Scotia, dating apps may be one of the few spaces in which they feel safe to be their true selves. We aimed to shed light on how digital platforms can help and/or hinder 2SLGBTQ+ people’s mental health.

Methods:

• Scoping review of the literature

• Survey (n=119) of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals aged 18+ in NS, with quantitative & qualitative questions on app use and mental health, in winter of 2021 and 2023

• Health Equity Promotion Model

Scoping review findings:

• 2SLGBTQ+ folks’ mental health was disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, particularly bisexual, trans, non-binary and gender-diverse people

• Most prevalent problems were depression, anxiety, stress/distress, loneliness, suicidal ideation & self-harm

• 2SLGBTQ+ people used used substances, social media, dating apps, and pornography to cope with pandemic-related stress

Survey findings:

• Well-being was acutely impacted by the pandemic, and 2SLGBTQ+ respondents used social media and dating apps often as a means of connection and passing time

• In winter 2023, well-being had vastly improved and social media use had decreased, but there were many long-term negative impacts of the pandemic