Study finds dating app users are more likely to contract STIs
A study has found users of gay dating apps have an increased chance of contracting STIs.
The study published in the Journal of Sexually Transmitted Infections analysed the STI test results of men who have sex with men (MSM).
The results of men who used hook-up apps to meet their sexual partners were compared to guys who mainly found sexual partners in clubs and on internet sites.
Researchers from University of Central Los Angeles surveyed 7184 men at STI clinics around Los Angeles.
They found MSM using apps like Grindr and Scruff have a 37% greater chance of being infected with chlamydia and 25% greater chance of being infected with gonorrhoea.
However the social networking apps could not be used as a reliable predictor of syphilis and HIV infection.
Lead scientist of the study Matthew Beymer said: “We want to educate gay and bisexual men about the potential risks that they may face with these apps.”
“We’d like to see these applications used as an education tool in addition to their original intention.”
