The psychological outcomes of online racism among young adult Arab-Palestinians in Israel: The moderating role of ethnic identity, national self-definition, and social media political participation.

This study examined the relationship between online racism exposure and mental health outcomes among Arab-Palestinian young adults in Israel, focusing on the moderating roles of ethnic identity and national self-definition. A sample of 601 Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel (aged 18-27) completed a questionnaire measuring perceived online racism, ethnic identity, national self-definition, social media political participation, well-being, and depression. Higher exposure to online racism was associated with a lower well-being level and higher depression. A more consolidated ethnic identity (stronger sense of belonging to one's ethnic group) was related to a higher well-being level, while a stronger Arab-Palestinian national self-definition (identifying primarily as Arab-Palestinian rather than Israeli) was associated with higher depression when exposed to online racism. The interaction between online racism and ethnic identity was significant for both well-being and depression. For individuals with low ethnic identity, higher online racism exposure was related to a lower well-being level and higher depression. This relationship was not significant for those with high ethnic identity, suggesting a protective effect. Conversely, the interaction between online racism and national self-definition was significant only for depression. For individuals with high national self-definition as Arab-Palestinian, higher online racism exposure was associated with higher depression. Additionally, higher social media political participation was associated with a lower well-being level and higher depression. These findings highlight the complex interplay between online racism, identity factors, and mental health among Arab-Palestinians in Israel, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive interventions and policies to address online racism and support affected individuals. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).