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Updated: Sep 11, 2025
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Motivations to Start and Stop Using Sexual Networking Applications Among Adolescent Sexual Minority Men
Christopher Owens1,2, Addie Shrodes1,3, Ashley Kraus1
1Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
Sexuality Research & Social Policy : Journal of NSRC : SR & SP
|August 11, 2025
Summary
Adolescent sexual minority men use sexual networking apps (SNAs) for dating and social connection, but often encounter unwanted explicit messages, leading some to stop using them.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Adolescent sexual minority men (ASMM) utilize sexual networking applications (SNAs).
- Limited understanding exists regarding ASMM's motivations for initiating and discontinuing SNA usage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the reasons why adolescent sexual minority men start and stop using sexual networking applications.
- To understand the perceived benefits and drawbacks associated with SNA use among ASMM.
Main Methods:
- An online survey was administered to 156 ASMM aged 15-17 in the USA.
- Data collection occurred between February and April 2018.
- Inductive thematic analysis was employed to analyze open-ended survey responses.
Main Results:
- Primary reasons for SNA use include seeking dates and combating loneliness through social connection.
- Positive experiences involved connecting with other sexual minority men (SMM).
- Negative experiences included receiving unwanted sexually explicit messages, a key reason for app discontinuation.
Conclusions:
- ASMM initiate SNA use for diverse reasons, experiencing both benefits like connection and drawbacks such as unwanted explicit content.
- While some ASMM successfully find partners or friends, many encounter negative experiences due to unsolicited explicit messages.
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