Export Citation
Export Citation
Madden, HCE 
ORCID: 0000-0002-3493-9337, Timpson, H ORCID: 0000-0002-5266-6715, Breny, JM ORCID: 0000-0002-3988-8583, Hope, VD ORCID: 0000-0001-5712-5734 and Porcellato, L ORCID: 0000-0002-8656-299X
(2025)
Moving Beyond “Risky Behavior”: A Qualitative Interview Study Exploring Geosocial Networking App Use by Sexual Minority Men and Women in the UK and USA.
International Journal of Sexual Health.
pp. 1-22.
ISSN 1931-7611
Preview |
Text
Moving Beyond Risky Behavior A Qualitative Interview Study Exploring Geosocial Networking App Use.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (1MB) | Preview |
Abstract
Objective Research on use of geosocial networking (GSN) applications (e.g. Grindr, Tinder) by sexual minorities has primarily focused on risky behavior and negative health outcomes (e.g. sexually transmitted infections/HIV, drugs, alcohol, violence) among men who have sex with men. Taking a sex-positive approach, this study aimed to understand how sexual minority GSN app users in the UK and USA perceive impacts on their health and how they manage potential risks. Differences between countries and genders are explored. Design and methods
Qualitative, cross-cultural study in Merseyside (UK) and Connecticut (USA). Photo-elicitation (fake dating profiles) was used in semi-structured interviews conducted with app users seeking same gender partners (n = 31; 15 women, and 16 men) in 2018–2019. Participants were recruited through local LGBTQ+ organizations, social media and from a previous survey, within a quota sampling framework. Transcripts were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results Perceived positive health impacts included social and romantic/sexual connections, boosts to self-esteem, and pleasurable sexual experiences. Some negative outcomes were reported, mainly by men, including rejection and low self-esteem, and racism and discrimination. Participants of all genders used strategies to reduce risks to health. Women were particularly cautious of men on apps. No differences between UK and the USA were noted. Conclusions GSN apps can enable positive sexual experiences and have the potential to increase social cohesion and improve mental wellbeing for stigmatized sexual minorities. All participants took measures to protect both their physical safety and mental wellbeing. Using a sex-positive health promotion approach could empower app users to build on their personal strengths and resources. Although GSN app companies may need to do more to tackle discrimination, apps show a promising opportunity for reducing isolation and health inequities. The similarity of the findings in both areas suggests evidence from the USA may be applicable in the UK.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | 5203 Clinical and Health Psychology; 52 Psychology; Social Determinants of Health; HIV/AIDS; Basic Behavioral and Social Science; Infectious Diseases; Health Disparities and Racial or Ethnic Minority Health Research; Health Disparities; Behavioral and Social Science; Sexual and Gender Minorities (SGM/LGBT*); Prevention; Minority Health; Violence Research; Sexually Transmitted Infections; Mental Health; Women's Health; Clinical Research; 2.3 Psychological, social and economic factors; 3.1 Primary prevention interventions to modify behaviours or promote wellbeing; Infection; Mental health; 3 Good Health and Well Being; 1701 Psychology; Public Health; 5203 Clinical and health psychology |
| Subjects: | H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine |
| Divisions: | Public and Allied Health |
| Publisher: | Taylor and Francis |
| Date of acceptance: | 14 July 2025 |
| Date of first compliant Open Access: | 18 August 2025 |
| Date Deposited: | 18 Aug 2025 10:46 |
| Last Modified: | 18 Aug 2025 11:00 |
| DOI or ID number: | 10.1080/19317611.2025.2536248 |
| URI: | https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/26944 |
 |
View Item |