Is Online Partner-Seeking Associated with Increased Risk of Condomless Sex and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Individuals Who Engage in Heterosexual Sex? A Systematic Narrative Review

Abstract

Use of Internet websites and mobile applications to meet potential romantic and sexual partners is becoming increasingly popular. While the Internet might foster better communication and sexual negotiation between partners, it can also be a deceptive environment that instigates and accelerates sexual risk-taking. Given the complexities of the Internet, it is critical to examine the association between risky sexual behaviors (RSBs) and online partner-seeking. Five databases (i.e., Google Scholar, PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Ovid Medline) were searched for articles published before September 10, 2017, that examined the association between online partner solicitation (either for romantic and/or sexual reasons) and RSBs. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were empirical papers published in English-language peer-reviewed journals looking at samples of online partner seekers who practice heterosexual sex (with a comparison group) and reporting either condom use or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) status, which were the two primary outcomes. A total of 25 studies met the criteria to be included in our review. Results from this literature search do not indicate a clear association between online partner-seeking and condom use or STI status. Potential moderators (i.e., age, gender, reasons for online partner solicitation, duration of Internet correspondence, and Internet modalities) that should be included in future research were identified. Sexual health prevention efforts should address methods to negotiate safe practices between sexual partners and to encourage healthy non-virtual relationships, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Associations Between Methods of Meeting Sexual Partners and Sexual Practices Among Heterosexuals: Cross-sectional Study in Melbourne, Australia

“…However, the reasons for this rise in the incidence of STIs remain unclear. Although some studies have suggested that meeting partners on the internet or apps are associated with condomless sex [6] and STI acquisition [7,8], other studies did not find this association [9][10][11]. Thus, the association between web-based meeting methods and sexual risk remains inconclusive.…”

“…Most of these studies did not stratify by sexual orientation [7,8,10,11]. Very few studies have specifically analyzed heterosexuals exclusively and most were published before 2013 [9], when there were fewer web-based networking platforms (particularly apps). Given that the risk of STIs and sexual practices varies in different sexual orientations and that new web-based networking platforms have continued to surface throughout the mid-2010s to late 2010s [1], it is unclear from these studies whether the same associations of the internet and apps with condom use and STIs can be drawn for heterosexuals in the late 2010s.…”

Risks of Online Sexual Scripts

“…in their online romantic interactions and their consequences are attracting attention as a socially vulnerable people [5]. To understand the factors that provoke risk of online dating, there are attempts to investigate the main online sexual practices that lead to unwanted negative outcomes [6], and/or interrelated with sexually risky behavior offline [7,8].…”

Sexually Transmitted Disease, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, and Pregnancy Testing Behaviors Among Internet and Mobile Dating Application Users and Nonusers, 2016

“…4,5 A recent systematic review found mixed associations between online dating patterns and condom use and sexually transmitted infection status among heterosexuals in the 25 studies assessed. 6 Associations between online dating and STD/HIV Correspondence: Alexandra Coor, MPH, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, M/S E-44, Atlanta, GA 30329. yfu3@cdc.gov. Disclaimer: The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.…”