Using online intergroup interactions to reduce negative attitudes toward lesbians and gay men

Abstract

Extending previous research on the contact theory (Allport, 1954) and its effect on reducing negative attitudes toward lesbians and gay men (Grack and Richman, 1996; Graham, Frame, & Kenworthy, 2014), this study investigated online intergroup contact between homosexuals and heterosexuals to reduce negative attitudes toward lesbians and gay men, as measured by Herek’s ATLG scale. Using structured scripts, confederates disclosed their sexual orientation as either homosexual or heterosexual during a 1-hour computer mediated interaction via a messaging platform with 86 participants at a large southeastern university. Overall, participants reported fairly favorable attitudes toward lesbians and gay men before and after the online intergroup contact. Results from hierarchical regression analysis indicated the online intergroup contact did not significantly reduce negative attitudes toward lesbians and gay men. Possible explanations for the findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.