Network Influences on the Sexual Risk Behaviors of Gay, Bisexual and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men Using Geosocial Networking Applications

Holloway, Ian W.; Pulsipher, Craig; Gibbs, Jeremy J.; Barman‐Adhikari, Anamika; Rice, Eric

doi:10.1007/s10461-014-0989-3

Cited by 97 publications

(83 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…Therefore, it is highly possible that using dating apps is an emerging risk factor for unsafe sexual behaviours. Previous studies found that the prevalence of having unprotected anal intercourse ranged from 17.0% [5] to 66.7% [6] in homosexual men who used dating apps. Moreover, homosexual men who used dating apps for more than one year were more likely to have unprotected anal intercourse [7].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Impacts of Using Smartphone Dating Applications on Sexual Risk Behaviours in College Students in Hong Kong

Choi

Wong

et al. 2016

PLoS ONE

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Dating applications (apps) on smartphones have become increasingly popular. The aim of this study was to explore the association between the use of dating apps and risky sexual behaviours. Data were collected in four university campuses in Hong Kong. Subjects completed a structured questionnaire asking about the use of dating apps, sexual behaviours, and sociodemographics. Multiple linear and logistics regressions were used to explore factors associated with sexual risk behaviours. Six hundred sixty-six subjects were included in the data analysis. Factors associated with having unprotected sexual intercourse with more lifetime sexual partners included use of dating apps (β = 0.93, p<0.01), having one’s first sexual intercourse before 16 years of age (β = 1.74, p<0.01), being older (β = 0.4, p<0.01), currently being in a relationship (= 0.69, p<0.05), having a monthly income at least HKD$5,000 (β = 1.34, p<0.01), being a current smoker (β = 1.52, p<0.01), and being a current drinker (β = 0.7, p<0.01). The results of a multiple logistic regression analysis found that users of dating apps (adjust odds ratio: 0.52, p<0.05) and current drinkers (adjust odds ratio: 0.40, p<0.01) were less likely to have consistent condom use. Users of dating apps (adjust odds ratio: 1.93, p<0.05), bisexual/homosexual subjects (adjust odds ratio: 2.57, p<0.01) and female subjects (adjust odds ratio: 2.00, p<0.05) were more likely not to have used condoms the last time they had sexual intercourse. The present study found a robust association between using dating apps and sexual risk behaviours, suggesting that app users had greater sexual risks. Interventions that can target app users so that they can stay safe when seeking sexual partners through dating apps should be developed.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Impacts of Using Smartphone Dating Applications on Sexual Risk Behaviours in College Students in Hong Kong

Choi

Wong

et al. 2016

PLoS ONE

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“…Additionally, this research was conducted in North Carolina, which is a fairly rural state with a unique social context, and contributes to increasing our knowledge and understanding of MSM and transgender women outside of large, urban areas, such as Los Angeles, New York City, and Atlanta where most of the app-based research has been conducted [4,5,6,7,9,11,13,15,17]. Furthermore, given the rising and disproportionate HIV rates in the South and that the 14 th and 22 nd highest rates of HIV occurred in two metropolitan statistical areas in North Carolina, [1, 36] conducting research to explore HIV risk in this area is greatly needed and should be a high priority in order to address the epidemiological changes in HIV in the United States.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparing Men who have Sex with Men and Transgender Women who Use Grindr, Other Similar Social and Sexual Networking Apps, or no Social and Sexual Networking Apps: Implications for Recruitment and Health Promotion

et al. 2018

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Objective Researchers and public health professionals have increased their attention to GPS-based social and sexual networking applications (apps) tailored to gay, bisexual, other men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women. These populations continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV in the United States, therefore these apps, in particular Grindr, have become an important sampling venue for the recruitment of HIV-related research participants. As such, it is essential to identify differences among app users to avoid potential sampling bias. This paper seeks to identify differences in MSM and transgender women who use Grindr and those who use other similar apps. Methods A community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach was used to recruit participants online who then completed a 25-item anonymous survey. Five domains were assessed: sociodemographics, HIV testing, sexual risk, substance abuse, and use of GPS-based social and sexual networking apps. Results 457 participants completed surveys. There were significant differences in the sociodemographic characteristics by app use, including age, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, and outness. After adjusting for the sociodemographic characteristics associated with app use, there were significant differences in HIV risk and substance use between the groups. Conclusion This paper is the first to report on findings that compare MSM and transgender women who report using Grindr to MSM and transgender women who report using other similar apps. GPS-based social and sexual networking apps may offer a valuable recruitment tool for future HIV research seeking to recruit populations at increased risk for HIV or those living with HIV for therapeutic trials. Because of the differences identified across users of different apps, these findings suggest that if researchers recruited participants from just one app, they could end up with a sample quite different than if they had recruited MSM and transgender women from other apps.

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“…Specifically, partnered men have sought advice on the appropriateness of GSN app use in a serious relationship, how to approach discussions about app use with one's primary partner, and how to use these apps when partnered (Savage, 2013; Stafford, 2012). Recent data indicate that GSN app use is not uncommon among partnered MSM, with 22–28 % of men in these studies reporting being in a relationship of some kind (Holloway et al, 2015; Lehmiller & Ioerger, 2014; Rendina et al, 2014). Moreover, partnered men may be more likely than single MSM to use these apps to identify potential sexual partners (Goedel & Duncan, 2015).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…For example, GSN app users have reported higher numbers of sexual partners (Lehmiller & Ioerger, 2014; Phillips et al, 2014; Rice et al, 2012), more lifetime diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections (Beymer et al, 2014; Lehmiller & Ioerger, 2014), and lower rates of HIV testing relative to MSM in general, but higher rates than the general population (Rendina et al, 2014). Findings regarding condomless sex with partners met through apps are equivocal, with some indicating that men may be more likely to practice safer sex with these partners (Rice et al, 2012; Winetrobe et al, 2014) and some indicating that they are less likely (Holloway, Pulsipher, Gibbs, Barman-Adhikari, & Rice, 2015). …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Geosocial Networking App Use Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Serious Romantic Relationships

et al. 2016

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Geosocial networking (GSN) mobile phone applications (“apps”) are used frequently among men who have sex with men (MSM) to socialize and meet sexual partners. Though GSN apps are used by some MSM in partnered relationships, little is known about how the use of GSN apps among MSM in serious romantic relationships can influence couples' sexual and relationship health. MSM in serious relationships (N = 323; M age = 40 years) were recruited through a popular GSN app for MSM. Participants completed open-ended items regarding the costs and benefits of app use to their relationships, discussions of app use with their partners, and preferences for relationship education related to app use. Reported benefits of app use included improving sex and communication with one's primary partner and fulfilling unmet sexual needs. Although approximately half had not discussed app use with their partners, citing app use as a “non-issue,” many cited various drawbacks to app use, including jealousy and being a distraction from the relationship. Few described sexual health concerns as a drawback to meeting partners through apps. Regarding relationship education preferences, most wanted help with general communication skills and how to express one's sexual needs to a partner. Although GSN app use can enhance relationships and sex among partnered MSM, unclear communication about app use may contribute to negative relationship outcomes and could prevent partners from having sexual needs met. Relationship and sexual health education programs for male couples should consider addressing social media and technology use in their curricula.

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Network Influences on the Sexual Risk Behaviors of Gay, Bisexual and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men Using Geosocial Networking Applications

Cited by 97 publications

References 24 publications

The Impacts of Using Smartphone Dating Applications on Sexual Risk Behaviours in College Students in Hong Kong

The Impacts of Using Smartphone Dating Applications on Sexual Risk Behaviours in College Students in Hong Kong

Comparing Men who have Sex with Men and Transgender Women who Use Grindr, Other Similar Social and Sexual Networking Apps, or no Social and Sexual Networking Apps: Implications for Recruitment and Health Promotion

Geosocial Networking App Use Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Serious Romantic Relationships

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