Online connectedness: The meaning of online social interactions for young adults with mild intellectual disabilities

Abstract

Young adults with mild intellectual disabilities are increasingly engaging in online social interactions. While online participation offers these young adults opportunities for connection, research on their perspectives remains scarce. Therefore, this study explores their experiences and interpretations of online social interactions. Six Dutch young adults aged 19–31 years old with mild intellectual disabilities participated in semi-structured interviews, which were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Four experiential themes were identified: 1) online connections feel important, yet offline connectedness remains essential, 2) balancing between the wish and reality of fitting in online, 3) online safety as an ongoing learning process, and 4) feeling and dealing with the dark sides of online interactions. The current study concludes that online interactions can enrich, but do not replace, offline social relationships. Nevertheless, positive online interactions are not self-evident; our findings underscore the importance of strong and supportive offline networks for fostering safer, more meaningful online contact and enhancing resilience to negative experiences.