Study reveals link between gay social apps and STIs
By Josh Haggis
A new study in the US has found that men who use gay social apps have a higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The survey looked at the STI test results of 7,184 men, and found that gay men who use social apps have a 25 percent greater chance of being infected with gonorrhea and 37 percent greater chance of being infected with chlamydia.
“As technology has benefits, it also has certain risks,” said the lead researcher at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. “We want to educate gay and bisexual men about the potential risks that they may face with these apps.”
He continued: “Technology is redefining sex on demand; prevention programs must learn how to effectively exploit the same technology, and keep pace with changing contemporary risk factors for STI and HIV transmission.”
The study also found that gay social apps tend to be used by younger, well-educated men under the age of 40 and by men of white or Asian ethnic backgrounds.
Read the full study here.
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