Dating and Hookup Apps and Websites as Facilitators of Entry into Sex Work

Technological developments, primarily starting with the Internet, have transformed male sex work in fundamental ways including making the meeting of buyers and sellers of sex much more likely to occur virtually rather than on streets or bars. Notably, popular dating and hookup websites and apps not designed for sex work have become a new pathway into such activity. However, because they can blur the line between casual and exchange sex encounters, there may be a growing population of men engaging in exchange sex who do not identify as sex workers.

To better understand this new pathway into sex work, we analyzed data from interviews conducted between October 2018 and April 2020 with 130 MSM who met their first client through a dating/hookup website or app.

Analysis revealed two principal groups of men. One had no intention of engaging in sex work, but while looking for a casual sexual partner online, accepted money or something of value in exchange for sex. The other strategically used dating/hookup websites and apps to find or be found by partners who would give them something in exchange for sex. Common motivations to begin exchange sex, in both groups, included access to money and drugs, curiosity, an interest in engaging in a transgressive act, and a desire for validation.

Policy makers and intervention designers must consider this emerging population of men involved in sex work via apps and websites to ensure that they have access and are targeted for health services like HIV/STI prevention.