Who uses dating apps? Exploring the relationships among trust, sensation-seeking, smartphone use, and the intent to use dating apps based on the Integrative Model

Descriptive Norms and eHealth Use Among Older Adults: A Cross-Country Comparative Study

eHealth use enables older adults to access and manage healthcare resources, and benefits their health; however, older adults' uptake of eHealth remains low across societies. Social influences such as descriptive norms may be of critical importance in promoting the elderly's usage of eHealth. Based on the Integrative Model of Behavioral Prediction, this study investigates how descriptive norms relate to eHealth use among the elderly in China and the United States. Analysis of the combined sample (N = 1,070) showed that descriptive norms were positively related to eHealth use. Also, descriptive norms were indirectly associated with eHealth use via injunctive norms, attitudes and self-efficacy. Moderated mediation analysis indicated that these direct and indirect relationships differed across the two countries. This study highlights the important role of descriptive norms in promoting older adults' eHealth use behavior and addresses potential country differences in how the elderly respond to descriptive norms. Several important theoretical and practical implications are also discussed.

Factors associated with dating app use for sexual "hookups" in the United States: insights from the National Survey of Family Growth

BACKGROUND

The use of dating applications for matchmaking and sexual exploits ("hookups") has increased, and this modern phenomenon has supplanted traditional socialization and relationship formation. To date, sociodemographic data on the use of dating apps has been limited.

AIM

In this study, we sought to identify predictors associated with the use of dating apps in the United States.

METHODS

Using cross-sectional data from the 2017-2019 National Survey of Family Growth, we examined sociodemographic determinants influencing the use of dating apps to find partners for sexual intercourse. We constructed survey-weighted regression models to study these associations, with additional sensitivity analyses performed within specific subgroups. Furthermore, this study investigated the correlation of app use with sexual frequency.

OUTCOME

Study outcomes were participant data regarding reported use of dating apps for sexual intercourse in the 2017-2019 National Survey of Family Growth.

RESULTS

A total of 11,225 respondents were examined, representing a survey-weighted total of approximately 143,201, 286 Americans. Among them, 757 respondents (6.7%), equating to approximately 8, 818, 743 individuals, reported dating app use for sexual hookups. Regression analysis revealed that factors such as male sex, White race, previous sexual experience, substance/alcohol use, history of sexually transmitted infections, same-sex attraction, and bisexuality increased the likelihood of dating app usage. Conversely, reduced odds of dating app use were observed among Catholics, Protestants, married/widowed individuals, and older respondents. Stratified analyses across various demographics, including male and female individuals aged 20 to 40 years, heterosexual, and lesbian, gay, and bisexual respondents, generally supported these trends. Notably, dating app use did not correlate with increased sexual frequency (adjusted incidence rate ratio: 1.10; 95% CI: 0.96-1.26; P = .16).

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Dating app use is prevalent among male patients and White individuals and correlates with increased sexually transmitted infection risk, alcohol/illicit substance use, past sexual experience, and popularity within the lesbian, gay, and bisexual community, all important considerations for public health interventions. Dating app use, however, was not associated with increased sexual encounters.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

Strengths of our study were the utilization of a national survey of individuals of reproductive age in the United States and focus on a clearly defined outcome of dating app utilization for the purposes of sexual intercourse. Limitations include self-reported survey responses and insufficient detail on the types and duration of dating app platforms and their use.

CONCLUSIONS

Many sociodemographic factors, including male sex, White race, history of STIs, substance and alcohol use, and same-sex and bisexual attraction, were linked with dating app use. However, there was no increase in sexual frequency associated with dating app utilization. Further research is essential for integrating these technologies into the relational and sexual dynamics of individuals.

Childhood sexual abuse and technology-facilitated sexual violence on dating apps: The moderating role of motivations for use

BACKGROUND

The study aimed to investigate the potential link between a history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and the experience of technology-facilitated sexual violence on dating apps (TFSV), considering distinct motivations for app usage among CSA survivors.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the association between CSA and TFSV on dating apps, while also examining the potential moderating role of motivations for app usage and differences based on sexual orientation.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

The study utilized an online survey among 534 dating app users in Israel.

METHODS

Participants completed an online survey assessing history of CSA, experiences of TFSV on dating apps, and motivations for app usage.

RESULTS

The study found that individuals with a history of CSA experienced more TFSV on dating apps. Survivors of CSA showed lower motivation for love and higher motivation for self-worth validation, ease of communication, and thrill of excitement. Differences between heterosexual and LGBTQ+ participants were observed, with LGBTQ+ individuals reporting higher levels of CSA prevalence and TFSV on dating apps. Motivations for app usage and sexual orientation were found to moderate the association between CSA history and TFSV on dating apps. Among LGBTQ+ participants, those who experienced CSA had a higher likelihood of encountering TFSV on dating apps, regardless of their motivations. Heterosexual individuals with a history of CSA were more prone to TFSV on dating apps if they had a strong motivation for love.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shed light on unique vulnerabilities among individuals with a history of CSA, including increased susceptibility to TFSV on dating apps.

Assessment of Sexual Violence Risk Perception in Men Who Have Sex With Men: Proposal for the Development and Validation of "G-Date"

BACKGROUND

Sexual violence (SV) is a significant problem for sexual minorities, including men who have sex with men (MSM). The limited research suggests SV is associated with a host of syndemic conditions. These factors tend to cluster and interact to worsen one another. Unfortunately, while much work has been conducted to examine these factors in heterosexual women, there is a lack of research examining MSM, especially their SV risk perception. Further, MSM are active users of dating and sexual networking (DSN) mobile apps, and this technology has demonstrated usefulness for creating safe spaces for MSM to meet and engage partners. However, mounting data demonstrate that DSN app use is associated with an increased risk for SV, especially given the higher likelihood of using alcohol and other drugs before sex. By contrast, some researchers have demonstrated that DSN technology can be harnessed as a prevention tool for HIV; unfortunately, no such work has progressed regarding SV.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to (1) use qualitative and quantitative methods to tailor an existing laboratory paradigm of SV risk perception in women for MSM using a DSN mobile app framework and (2) subject this novel paradigm to a rigorous validation study to confirm its usefulness in predicting SV, with the potential for use in future prevention endeavors.

METHODS

To tailor the paradigm for MSM, a team of computer scientists created an initial DSN app (G-Date) and incorporated ongoing feedback about the usability, feasibility, and realism of this tool from a representative sample of MSM. We used focus groups and interviews to assist in the development of G-Date, including by identifying relevant stimuli, developing the cover story, and establishing the appropriate study language. To confirm the paradigm's usefulness, we are conducting an experimental study with web-based and face-to-face participants to determine the content, concurrent, and predictive validities of G-Date. We will evaluate whether certain correlates of SV informed by syndemics and minority stress theories (eg, history of SV and alcohol and drug use) affect the ability of MSM to detect SV risk within G-Date and how paradigm engagement influences behavior in actual DSN app use contexts.

RESULTS

This study received funding from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism on September 10, 2020, and ethics approval on October 19, 2020, and we began app development for aim 1 immediately thereafter. We began data collection for the aim 2 validation study in December 2022. Initial results from the validation study are expected to be available after December 2025.

CONCLUSIONS

We hope that G-Date will enhance our understanding of factors associated with SV risk and serve as a useful step in creating prevention programs for this susceptible population.

Cultural-Psychological Differences, Social Acceptance of Same-Sex Relationships, and Dating App Use Motives of Young GBMSM: A Comparative Study Across Hong Kong, Taipei, and Osaka

Gay-specific mobile dating apps such as Grindr are popular among young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) worldwide. However, how the use of these apps differs between regions is underexplored. In this study, we drew on the uses and gratifications literature and cross-cultural studies to examine how cultural-psychological differences (sensation seeking and communication apprehension) and social acceptance of same-sex relationships are associated with the motives for using gay dating apps in three East Asian cities. Using a sample of 18-34-year-old GBMSM (217 participants from Hong Kong, 330 from Taipei, and 175 from Osaka), we found that the Taiwanese participants scored higher than their Japanese counterparts on almost all motives. Sensation seeking was positively associated with using gay dating apps for casual sex, self-worth validation, and thrill of excitement in both Taipei and Osaka. Communication apprehension was positively associated with using the apps for ease of communication in all three cities. Social acceptance of same-sex relationships had positive relationships with using the apps for love in Hong Kong and casual sex in Taipei but negative relationships with other motives in Taipei and Osaka. These inconsistent relationships between the variables across the three cities point to the importance of cultural and regional specificity in predicting gay dating app use motives.

A three-tiered semi supervised MTL mechanism and its application in dating apps

A thorough understanding of the purpose of dating applications is crucial for service providers in order to optimize the design and user experience of the application. Despite the fact that many APPs prompt users to provide their usage purpose, many do not reveal this attribute. In this study, a three-module framework with semi-supervised and multitask learning mechanisms is proposed (T-SSMTL). Using the T-SSMTL mechanism, the purpose of the dating APP usage can be automatically inferred from the publicly available heterogeneous data of the user. The heterogeneous feature extraction module employs a number of techniques to extract semantic representations, maximizing the use of heterogeneous dating APP data. The multi-task module extracts task-specific knowledge for learning and solves the classification problem involving multiple labels. To alleviate the problem of label insufficiency, the semi-supervised module utilizes a large quantity of unlabeled data generated by users who do not report their usage purpose. A large-scale dataset containing 34,364 active dating APP users with their self-reported usage purpose, portrait image, profile, and posts was collected to evaluate the T-SSMTL framework. In the context of this dataset, simulation experiments have confirmed the efficacy of all three modules of the T-SSMTL framework, demonstrating its substantial theoretical significance as well as its excellent application value.

Validity test of the theory of planned behavior in college students’ withdrawal from smartphone dependence

Smartphone usage has brought great convenience to our daily life. However, the detrimental consequences of smartphone dependence also require special attention. Based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), this study designed a questionnaire to investigate college students’ withdrawal from smartphone dependence. The reliability and validity of the questionnaire were tested. The results showed that the reliability of the questionnaire was good (α = 0.84–0.94). The principal component analysis was conducted, contribution rates of these factors were moderately high (62.06%–82.35%). The validity was verified through confirmatory factor analysis. All the model fit indices were higher than the acceptable standard, which indicated the construct validity of the TPB questionnaire is good. The results of the multi-group structural equation model revealed that the model provided excellent fit to the data in each demographic group. The results of structural equation model presented that, in most demographic groups, students’ attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control of withdrawal from smartphone dependence positively influenced their behavioral intention. Furthermore, subjective norm was the most effective predictors in each group. However, part of the paths from intention to behavior failed to reach the significant level, and their coefficients are relatively small. This reveals the gap between college students’ withdrawal intention and their actual behavior, and there may be other factors influence the relationship between the two variables.

Behind the Screens: A Systematic Literature Review of Quantitative Research on Mobile Dating

Mobile dating applications (MDAs) have become commonly used tools to seek out dating and sexual partners online. The current review aimed to systematically synthesize empirical findings in 72 quantitative studies on mobile dating, published in ISI-ranked journals between 2014 and 2020. This review focused on summarizing different approaches toward mobile dating, identity features of quantitative research on mobile dating, and hypothesized antecedents and outcomes of mobile dating. Our findings showed, first, that the literature diverges in how mobile dating is operationalized. Second, quantitative research on mobile dating predominantly consists of cross-sectional studies that draw on theoretical insights from multiple disciplines. Third, a variety of traits and sociodemographics were associated with MDA use. In particular, using MDAs for (1) relational goals related to being male, non-heterosexual, higher levels of sociosexuality, sensation seeking, extraversion, and holding more positive peer norms about using MDAs for relational goals; (2) intrapersonal goals related to being female and having more socially impairing traits; and (3) entertainment goals related to having higher levels of sociosexuality, sensation seeking, and antisocial traits. Outcomes significantly associated with general use of MDAs were scoring higher on sexual permissiveness and on engaging in casual (unprotected) sexual intercourse, as well as having higher risk at nonconsensual sex. MDA use was also connected with increased psychological distress and body dissatisfaction. Shortcomings of the existing research approaches and measures are discussed and six methodological and theoretical recommendations for future research are provided.

Love me Tinder: The effects of women's lifetime dating app use on daily body dissatisfaction, disordered eating urges, and negative mood

Dating apps may potentially serve as an environment that subjects young women to the harmful effects of appearance-related pressure. The current study assessed for the first time whether women's dating app use predicted body dissatisfaction (BD), urges to engage in disordered eating (DE), and negative mood in daily life. We also examined the unique effects of women's dating app partner preferences (i.e., seeking idealised versus non-idealised physical characteristics) on the aforementioned outcomes, and whether appearance-based rejection sensitivity (appearance-RS) moderated the effects of dating app use. Participants (N = 296; 100% women) first completed a baseline survey assessing lifetime dating app usage (i.e., current or former usage), partner preferences, and appearance-RS, followed by a 7-day smartphone-facilitated ecological investigation into momentary experiences of BD, DE urges (i.e., binge-eating/purging, dietary restraint, and exercise), and negative mood. Ninety-four women (32%) reported lifetime dating app usage, which, relative to non-use, predicted greater daily urges for binge-eating/purging and negative mood. However, appearance-RS failed to moderate these effects. Among dating app users, partner preferences were not a significant predictor of the central outcomes. These findings extend previous research by examining the unique effects of dating app use on everyday BD, DE urges, and negative mood. Replication and extension are encouraged.

College Students' Motives for In-Person Meetings with Dating Application Matches

Although some research has explored emerging adults' motives for using mobile dating applications, no studies have investigated motives for in-person (or offline) meetings with dating app matches. A sample of 267 U.S. college students completed an online survey, 138 of whom were dating app users and 80 of those had met at least one match in person. Contrary to the popular view that dating apps promote casual sex, love was the top motive for in-person meeting with matches. Our findings are consistent with the idea that dating apps are used to connect with others, not just for hookups.

"Safe Behind My Screen": Adolescent Sexual Minority Males' Perceptions of Safety and Trustworthiness on Geosocial and Social Networking Apps

Dating and social media application ("app") use for sexual and romantic partner-seeking is increasingly ubiquitous among adolescent sexual minorities assigned male at birth (ASMM). Previous work suggests that ASMM use the Internet, including apps, for normative aspects of sexual identity exploration and development. However, there may be risks associated with their use of sexualized apps designed for adults and with sexual interaction with adult app users. Little is known about how they assess and mitigate risk or gauge the trustworthiness of potential partners on such apps. We recruited ASMM in the U.S. (N = 268; ages 15-18 years, mean age = 16.9) to complete an online survey with open- and closed-ended questions about their perceptions of safety and trustworthiness of others while using apps to find partners. Participants perceived various risks on apps (e.g., physical harm, being "catfished") but did not appear to have clear strategies for measuring or mitigating it. They often assessed trustworthiness by observing other users' behavior or profiles. Participants frequently described interacting with older app users as risky or untrustworthy. Sexual health risks were seldom mentioned and the legal risks of sexual interaction with adults were never mentioned. Although app use may meet some of ASMM's sexual development needs, they may lack the knowledge and skills to do so safely in sexualized online adult spaces. These findings suggest that sex education for sexual minority adolescents should address online sexual safety.

The Relationship between Drug Consumption and Dating App Use: Results from an Italian Survey

To date, the literature regarding the relationship between drug consumption and dating app use is still very scant and inconclusive. The present study was thus aimed at investigating the association between drug consumption and dating app use in the general population. A total of 1278 Italian respondents completed an online ad hoc questionnaire assessing drug consumption (cannabis versus other illicit drugs), dating app use, the primary motive for installing dating apps, and demographics. Multiple logistic regression analyses were run to investigate the role of demographics and dating app use on drug consumption. Being single predicted cannabis use. Using dating apps accounted for higher odds of cannabis use; however, people who intensely used the apps were less likely to consume marijuana. Conversely, dating app use was not associated with the consumption of other drugs. This study suggests the presence of common underlying factors between dating app use and cannabis use, and it highlights the mediating role of the intensity of app use. Conversely, the study suggests that dating app use and the use of other drugs are quite independent behaviors.

The Experience of Using Dating Applications for Sexual Hook-Ups: A Qualitative Exploration among HIV-Negative Men Who Have Sex With Men in Hong Kong

Men who have sex with men (MSM) use dating applications (apps) to explore various romantic and sexual relationships. This qualitative study aimed to describe HIV-negative MSM's experiences with app usage, the sexual activities arranged accordingly and their experiences in using dating apps to arrange sexual encounters. Thirty-one MSM who were sexually active and who used dating apps were recruited. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed to outline significant phenomena and perceptions. The factors associated with matching on apps included sex roles, human immunodeficiency virus serostatus and availability of a venue for meetup. Facilitated by these apps, diverse types of sexual encounters were arranged. Condoms were typically used for safer intercourse, except by people who were younger and inexperienced or when drugs were consumed before or during sex (chemsex). Extensive interest in non-penetrative sexual behaviors was expressed by our sample. Searching for post-exposure prophylaxis methods and/or sexual health screenings was common after exposure to risk of infections. Sexually abusive encounters were followed by changes in sex-searching habits and lowered trust in relationship formation. The results of this study are important for the development of appropriate interventions to promote safer sexual practices among HIV-negative MSM dating app users.

The demography of swiping right. An overview of couples who met through dating apps in Switzerland

Within the span of almost ten years, phone dating apps have transformed the dating scene by normalizing and, according to some voices, gamifying the digital quest for a partner. Despite amplified discussion on how swipe-based apps damage the fabric of intimate ties, scientific accounts on whether they have led to different relationship patterns are missing. Using 2018 survey data from Switzerland, this study provides a rich overview of couples who met through dating apps by addressing three main themes: 1) family formation intentions, 2) relationship satisfaction and individual well-being, and 3) assortative mating. The data indicate that in Switzerland, dating apps have recently taken over as main online dating context. Results further show that couples formed through mobile dating have stronger cohabiting intentions than those formed in non-digital settings. Women who found their partner through a dating app also have stronger fertility desires and intentions than those who found their partner offline. Generally, there are no differences between couples initiated through dating apps and those initiated elsewhere regarding relationship and life satisfaction. Though more data are needed to capture the full range of users' romantic and sexual experiences, current results mitigate some of the concerns regarding the short-term orientation or the poor quality of relationships formed through mobile dating. Findings finally suggest that dating apps play an important role in altering couple composition by allowing for more educationally diverse and geographically distant couples.

Effectiveness of a Peer-Led Web-Based Intervention to Improve General Self-Efficacy in Using Dating Apps Among Young Adults: Randomized Clustered Trial

BACKGROUND

Online dating apps are popular platforms for seeking romance and sexual relationships among young adults. As mobile apps can easily gain access to a pool of strangers ("new friends") at any time and place, it leads to heightened sexual health risks and privacy concerns.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a peer-led web-based intervention for online dating apps to prepare Chinese college students so that they have better self-efficacy when using dating apps.

METHODS

An open clustered randomized controlled trial was conducted among students from three colleges (The University of Hong Kong, Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, and Yijin Programme of Vocational Training College) in Hong Kong. Students aged 17 to 27 years who attended common core curriculum or general education were randomized into intervention and control groups. The intervention material, developed with high peer engagement, included four short videos, an interactive scenario game, and a risk assessment tool. An existing website promoting physical activities and healthy living was used as a control. Using the information, motivation, and behavioral skills (IMB) approach to design the evaluation, questionnaires covering participants' sociodemographics and dating app characteristics, as well as the general self-efficacy scale (GSE) as the primary outcome and the risk propensity scale (RPS) as the secondary outcome were administered before, immediately after, and at 1 month after the intervention. Intention-to-treat analysis was adopted, and between-group differences were assessed using the Mann-Whitney U test. A post-hoc multiple linear regression model was used to examine the correlates of the GSE and RPS.

RESULTS

A total of 578 eligible participants (290 in the intervention group and 288 in the control group) participated in the study with 36 lost to follow-up. There were more female participants (318/542, 58.7%) than male participants in the sample, reflecting the distribution of college students. Over half of the participants (286/542, 52.8%) reported the following reasons for using dating apps: being curious (170/498, 34.1%), trying to make new friends (158/498, 31.7%), and finding friends with similar interests (121/498, 24.3%). Overall, the participants in the intervention group reported favorable experiences when compared with the finding in the control group. There was significant improvement in the GSE score and reduction in the RPS score (P<.001) in the intervention group. University of Hong Kong students were more susceptible to risk reduction after the intervention when compared with students from the other two institutions.

CONCLUSIONS

The online intervention was effective in improving general self-efficacy and reducing risk tendency among young students. Future work is needed to determine if this approach is cost-effective and such behavioral change is sustainable.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03685643; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03685643.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

RR2-10.1186/s13063-018-3167-5.

Dating Apps and Their Sociodemographic and Psychosocial Correlates: A Systematic Review

The emergence and popularization of dating apps have changed the way people meet and interact with potential romantic and sexual partners. In parallel with the increased use of these applications, a remarkable scientific literature has developed. However, due to the recency of the phenomenon, some gaps in the existing research can be expected. Therefore, the objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the empirical research of the psychosocial content published in the last five years (2016-2020) on dating apps. A search was conducted in different databases, and we identified 502 articles in our initial search. After screening titles and abstracts and examining articles in detail, 70 studies were included in the review. The most relevant data (author/s and year, sample size and characteristics, methodology) and their findings were extracted from each study and grouped into four blocks: user dating apps characteristics, usage characteristics, motives for use, and benefits and risks of use. The limitations of the literature consulted are discussed, as well as the practical implications of the results obtained, highlighting the relevance of dating apps, which have become a tool widely used by millions of people around the world.

Online Dating and Problematic Use: A Systematic Review

Despite the constant growth in the use of online dating sites and mobile dating applications, research examining potential problematic use of online dating has remained scarce. Previous research has obviated problematic use of online dating in favour of users’ personality correlates and scams through online dating services. A systematic review was carried out using PsycINFO and Web of Science databases to gather previous findings that address potential problematic use of online dating by (i) identifying use and motivations, (ii) assessing users’ personality correlates, (iii) outlining negative correlates of use, (iv) examining sexual and impulsive behaviour, (v) exploring substance use and behavioural addictions in relation to online dating, and (vi) examining problematic use of online dating, resulting in 43 studies. Findings suggest that personality correlates such as neuroticism, sociability, sensation-seeking, and sexual permissiveness are related to greater use of online dating services. Sex-search and self-esteem enhancement are predictors of problematic use of online dating. Previous research coincides with online dating risks (e.g. fear of deception) and objectification tendency due to online dating services (sites and apps) design. Observations regarding methodological weaknesses and future research implications are included.

The safe use of dating applications among men who have sex with men: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial to evaluate an interactive web-based intervention to reduce risky sexual behaviours

Background

Notably, both international and local studies have found a high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and risky sexual behaviours, such as condomless anal sex, substance misuse in conjunction with sex (‘chemsex’) and group sex, among men who have sex with men (MSM) dating application (app) users. Although the use of dating apps is an emerging sexual risk factor, little effort has been expended on the promotion of safe sex and good sexual health among the users of those apps. Therefore, the aim of the proposed study is to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of an interactive web-based intervention in improving the sexual health of MSM dating app users in Hong Kong.

Methods

A two-armed randomised controlled trial will be conducted. Chinese MSM dating app users will be recruited and randomly allocated into either the intervention (n = 200) or control group (n = 200). Subjects in the intervention group will receive the web-based intervention containing interactive content that (1) encourages a positive attitude towards consistent condom use and HIV/STI testing and negative attitude towards chemsex and group sex; (2) positions condom use and regular HIV/STI testing as normative; and (3) targets improved perceived self-efficacy concerning condom use and negotiation and HIV/STI testing. The control group will receive only web-based information without sexual health components. Subjects in both groups will be evaluated at baseline and three and 6 months after baseline. The primary outcome will be the frequency of condomless anal sex in the past 3 months.

Discussion

The proposed study will aid development of culturally relevant health promotion programmes aimed at minimising the potential harm of dating app use and promoting the sexual health of MSM dating app users. The web-based intervention, if found successful, will have important clinical and policy implications, as it can be adopted by the government and non-governmental organisations targeting MSM. Moreover, the proposed intervention can reach many MSM at relatively low cost, and thus has the potential to check the burgeoning HIV/STI epidemic among MSM in Hong Kong in a cost-effective manner.

Trial registration

International standard randomized controlled trial number (ISRCTN) registry: ISRCTN16681863 registered on 28 April 2020.

Virtual cohabitation in online dating sites: a netnography analysis

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore in depth the special context and unique life experience of the online dating site and provide insights regarding an interpretation of virtual cohabitation model.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses netnography, online interviews and the physical travel of researchers to the field for field participation and observations. The combination of netnography and online interviews combines online and offline studies to achieve more consistency in the data collection, analysis and other processes. In-person participation in observations makes the research more realistic. The combination of these qualitative methods is helpful in achieving a more comprehensive and accurate research process.

Findings

The findings of the study can be classified into a three-stage situational context approach, which is presented in the form of propositions. Finally, the insight of the virtual cohabitation context model was developed, namely, motivation (including escapism, hedonic gratification and autonomous), showing off and psychological compensation, stimulation and fantasies, emotions (including impulsiveness, emotions and desires), over-control and low self-control, behavioral control, gratification and dependence and love trap (including sex transactions and consumption traps).

Originality/value

The theoretical contribution of this study is to establish an interpretation of virtual cohabitation model and ten related propositions.

Trust, Sexual Trust, and Sexual Health: An Interrogative Review

Trust is experienced almost constantly in all forms of social and interpersonal relationships, including sexual relationships, and may contribute both directly and indirectly to sexual health. The purpose of this review is to link three aspects of trust to sexual health: (1) the role of trust in sexual relationships; (2) the role of trust in sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention, particularly condom use; and (3) the relevance of trust in sexual relationships outside of the traditional model of monogamy. The review ends with consideration of perspectives that could guide new research toward understanding the enigmas of trust in partnered sexual relations in the context of sexual and public health.

Imagining Online Sexual Health Outreach: A Critical Investigation into AIDS Service Organizations Workers' Notions of 'Gay Community'

This paper examines how online outreach workers within AIDS Service Organizations (ASOs) discursively imagine notions of "gay community" and the tensions between inequities in varying conceptions of "community" that operate in providers' and managers' sexual health online outreach. Through a Foucauldian Discourse Analysis (FDA) of interview data from a community-based research project examining sexual health outreach among gay, bisexual, and queer (GBQ) men, we provide an analysis that problematizes notions of a unitary "gay community" while illustrating how certain privileged subjects are deemed ideal for inclusion and representation within both online and ASO communities. Moreover, we interrogate how online medical health regimes constitute the ideal neoliberal gay male subject who self-responsibilizes and individualizes his sexual health while erasing inequities relating to social location and intersecting identities. Our analysis highlights how homonormative politics infiltrates GBQ sexual health programming and the ways in which understandings of the "self" and gay subjectivities are constituted through biopolitical apparatuses and online sexual health surveillance. We argue that it is necessary to move online sexual health outreach beyond specifically focusing on the needs of white GBQ men by bringing a greater awareness to the continual exclusions which operate within GBQ "communities".

Dating app use and unhealthy weight control behaviors among a sample of U.S. adults: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Online dating has become increasingly popular over the years. Few research studies have examined the association between dating apps and disordered eating. In this study, we evaluated the association between dating app use and unhealthy weight control behaviors (UWCBs) among a sample of U.S. adults.

METHODS

Our sample includes 1769 adults who completed an online survey assessing dating app use and UWCBs in the past year. Survey assessed participants' self-reported frequency of using dating apps within the past 30 days and engagement in six UWCBs with the purpose of lowering weight or changing their body shape within the past 12 months. UWCBs included vomiting, laxative use, fasting, diet pill use, muscle building supplement use, and use of anabolic steroids.

RESULTS

Results of multivariate logistic regression models suggest dating app users had substantially elevated odds of UWCBs compared with non-users (odds ratios [OR] range = 2.7-16.2). These findings were supported by results of additional gender-stratified multivariate logistic regression analyses among women and men.

CONCLUSIONS

This study's findings contribute to the limited literature exploring the association between dating app use and adverse health outcomes, particularly UWCBs. While additional longitudinal and representative research is needed, public health professionals ought to explore dating app use as a potential risk factor for UWCBs.