“On Grindr you’re selling body”: Sexual objectification on gay dating apps and its relationship with Australian sexual minority men’s body image and wellbeing

Growing concern over the disproportionately high prevalence of body image and wellbeing issues among sexual minority men has prompted researchers to investigate the factors contributing to these disparities. One such potential source of these concerns are mobile dating applications (apps), of which sexual minority men are the most frequent users. Recent literature has led researchers to argue that gay dating apps (dating apps marketed towards sexual minority men) may be more objectifying than mainstream dating apps (apps with no intended demographic market) and subsequently compound risks of increased body dissatisfaction, self-surveillance, and poorer self-esteem. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of Australian sexual minority men to understand the way in which dating apps may be exposing men to heightened body image and wellbeing concerns. Drawing from data derived from focus groups (n = 6) with 24 Australian sexual minority men (aged 21 – 57, M = 34.42 years) that used gay and mainstream dating apps, three main themes emerged. These themes comprised 1) Comparative uses of gay and mainstream dating apps, 2) The visual and sexual nature of self-presentation on gay dating apps, and 3) Social comparisons as a result of competition with and attraction to other users. Practical recommendations include requiring the developers of these apps to mitigate these risks by reducing the sexualising features found on these apps. This study also identifies the behaviours app users can take to protect themselves and others from body image and mental health risks. • Gay dating apps are sex-based whilst mainstream dating apps are used primarily for relationship-seeking. • Dating app profiles are more likely to contain sexualised self-presentation on gay dating apps. • Interactions with other users on gay dating apps are likely to revolve around sex and appearance. • Men felt pressure to be sexually appealing on gay dating apps, putting their body image and wellbeing at risk.