Emerging Black Male Adults' Lived Experiences with Racial Microaggressions and Social Media

Racial microaggressions on social media take a serious psychological toll on emerging Black male adults (EBMAs), leading to heightened stress, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Despite increasing awareness of these issues, research has yet to fully examine how religious involvement buffers the mental health effects of digital racial adversity. This study examined how EBMAs experience social media racial microaggressions, the impact of these encounters on their mental health, and whether engagement in religious activities helps reduce psychological distress. This research adopted a qualitative phenomenological design, integrating interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) and thematic analysis to understand these experiences through microaggression theory and critical race digital literacy (CRDL). Fifteen EBMAs, ages 18 to 25, were recruited through purposive sampling and took part in virtual semi-structured interviews. Data received thematic analysis via NVivo, revealing key patterns in experiences, coping strategies, and religious engagement. Findings demonstrated that religious involvement builds resilience by providing emotional relief, a supportive faith community, and identity. Participants turned to prayer, Biblical reflection, and digital faith communities to cope with racially charged digital encounters. These findings show the need to include religious coping in culturally relevant mental health interventions as well as faith-based and digital literacy initiatives. By connecting psychological resilience, racial justice, and faith, this study enriches broader conversations about religion, race, and digital mental health.