Dating apps may be fueling the rise of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), according to a new study published in Frontiers in Reproductive Health. The research found that dating app users are 1.8 times more likely to get tested for HIV and other STIs—and 1.3 times more likely to test positive. These findings come as public health officials report dramatic increases in infection rates over the past 24 years, with syphilis cases quadrupling and gonorrhea rising by 40%. Young adults between 20 and 34 have been particularly affected by this trend, prompting researchers to investigate the underlying causes.
In 2022, a group of researchers led by Dr. Jacquetta Reeves distributed an anonymous online questionnaire to North Texas college students between the ages of 19 and 35. A total of 122 participants responded to three open-ended questions about sexual partners they met through online dating apps, whether as part of a committed relationship, “friends with benefits,” or casual hookups. The results reveal dating app users are 2.2 times more likely to have had more than one sexual partner in a given year and 1.4 times more likely to have sex while under the influence of alcohol.
While the study highlights concerning trends, Dr. Reeves acknowledges challenges in determining causation: “Causality between risky sexual behaviors and dating app use likely flows both ways… Dating apps make it easier to find casual partners, which can lead to risky behaviors like inconsistent condom use. Conversely, individuals already engaging in risky behaviors may turn to dating apps for partners who share similar practices.”
The study also found demographic differences in dating app usage. White students were significantly more likely to use dating apps (47%) than Black students (12%). Additionally, men (64%) were more likely to use these platforms than women (33%), and heterosexual individuals (86%) were more frequent users than those identifying as gay or lesbian (14%). App users were 1.5 times more likely to report their first sexual experience between ages 16 and 19 compared to those who became sexually active at 20 or later. Despite these findings, no significant differences were found in condom use during oral or vaginal sex between app users and non-users. However, app users were 10% more likely to use condoms during anal sex.
Dating apps continue to shape sexual behaviors among college students, highlighting both risks and opportunities for further study. Researchers emphasize the need to better understand their impact on sexual health.
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