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Dating applications ('apps') have become a popular means for men who have sex with men (MSM) to seek sex or relationships. Indeed, dating apps have become popular, in part, because they are perceived as providing LGBTQIA+ people with a safe space to explore their sexuality with a reduced risk of discrimination and violence compared to non-virtual dating. The current study aimed to better understand how Australian MSM experience dating apps, specifically how they perceive that dating apps influence their attitudes about relationships and dating behaviours. Thematic analysis from interviews with 11 MSM adult dating app users identified three themes that were centred around exposure to non-traditional relationship models and conformity to gay dating norms, commodification of dating and safety concerns. Dating apps appear to be a conflicted space for young Australian MSM that may offer some safety for relationship development away from threats of homophobia, but which may facilitate online harassment and predatory behaviours. This paper concludes with recommendations for dating apps to increase security and verification to ensure they offer a safe space for LGBTQIA+ users.
Steele et al. (Sun,) studied this question.
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