Beyond the internal–external dichotomy: a contextualized orientation-based framework of motivations for LGBTQ information behavior in queer online communities

Purpose This study examines the motivations driving LGBTQ university students to seek and share information in queer online communities on social media. It aims not only to identify and compare motivations across information seeking and sharing contexts but also to capture the individual, relational and community dimensions that underpin these motivations. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory sequential mixed methods approach was adopted, with data collected through participant diaries, interviews and an online survey. Qualitative data were analyzed using open coding and constant comparison to identify motivations, while quantitative data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc comparisons to examine differences in the perceived importance of motivations for information seeking and sharing respectively. Findings Motivations for LGBTQ information behavior in queer online communities were both context-specific and interconnected. Information seeking was most strongly motivated by knowledge gap fulfillment, curiosity and social connection, whereas information sharing was most strongly motivated by empathy, enjoyment in helping others and community well-being. Some motivations were shared across both contexts, including identity exploration, task completion and social connection. Besides the contextual differences, motivations reflected three orientations (self-focused, others-centered and community-oriented), showing that LGBTQ information behavior was simultaneously triggered by personal development, social relationships and collective engagement. Originality/value This study advances understanding of motivations underlying LGBTQ information behavior in queer online communities from the perspective of sexual and gender minority students. It develops a contextualized orientation-based framework that extends beyond the traditional internal–external dichotomy.