Beyond bytes: A meta-analytical examination of the association between online discrimination and mental health and well-being

Online discrimination is an increasingly prevalent issue with significant implications for individuals' health and well-being. However, there is a notable lack of comprehensive reviews and meta-analyses addressing this topic. The present work investigated the association between online discrimination and individuals' mental health and well-being, focusing on both those who experience online discrimination directly and those who witness it. We conducted three meta-analyses including a total of 47 studies comprising 40,535 participants, exploring both perceived and mediated forms of online discrimination. The results revealed that directly experiencing online discrimination was significantly associated with poorer mental health (Z = −0.37, p < .001) and reduced well-being (Z = −0.11, p < .001). Notably, witnessing online discrimination was significantly related to poorer mental health outcomes (Z = −0.26, p < .001). Moderation and meta-regression analyses highlighted stronger associations with mental health when discrimination targeted members of minoritized racial groups, such as Asian and Black individuals, and in studies conducted in the United States. Furthermore, witnessing online discrimination on social media platforms compared to the Internet in general was associated with stronger associations with mental health outcomes. These results underscore the importance of addressing online discrimination, whether directly experienced or observed, through research, clinical interventions, and educational initiatives, as it can be a pervasive stressor that is associated with poorer mental health and well-being among individuals.