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Steve Williams
Original Article: bit.ly/1CeQNc1
The Right is up in arms this month about the fact that the federal government gave researchers hundreds of thousands of dollars to study the behavior of gay men using smartphone hook-up apps — but not only was this a proper use of funds, it is vital for understanding modern sexual health trends.
The National Institutes of Health awarded Columbia University a $432,000 grant to study whether men who use GPS dating apps like Grindr are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior, it has been revealed.
The study, which has now concluded with the data being processed ahead of its release, involved interviewing men who have sex with men (MSM) who use GPS-based dating apps for sexual encounters in order to assess the kinds of sexual behavior they initiate, and what risks might be involved.
Specifically, the research is also designed to look at how gay men “present themselves” on these apps — for instance, did the men in the study who had HIV disclose this fact in their profiles — and what they might be seeking from a prospective partner, whether that is a one-night stand or the possibility of a more long-term relationship. The researchers were also trying to determine whether these apps, by virtue of their being able to connect people based on their location, encourage sexual impulsivity and whether this drives up STI risks.
Full text of article available at link below: bit.ly/1CeQNc1
