New Study Reveals Risky Sex Trends Among Dating App Users: What Students Need to Know

College students who use dating apps are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior, according to a new study published in the journal Frontiers in Reproductive Health. The study found that dating app users are 1.8 times more likely to have been screened for HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and 1.3 times more likely to test positive for an STD.

Dr. Jaquetta Reeves, the lead researcher and an assistant professor at the University of Texas at Arlington, noted that the relationship between dating app use and risky sexual behavior could go both ways. Dating apps make finding casual partners easier, which might lead to inconsistent condom use. At the same time, individuals who engage in risky behaviors may be drawn to dating apps for partners who share similar habits.

The increase in STD cases in the U.S. coincides with the rise of dating app usage. Since 2000, chlamydia cases have more than doubled, syphilis cases have quadrupled, and gonorrhea cases have increased by 40%. Young adults aged 20 to 34 are the most affected demographic.

The study surveyed 122 college students aged 19 to 35 in northern Texas using an anonymous online questionnaire. It found notable differences in dating app usage among demographics. White students were more likely to use dating apps compared to Black students, with usage at 47% versus 12%. Men (64%) used apps more than women (33%), and straight individuals (86%) used them more than those identifying as gay or lesbian (14%).

Additionally, dating app users were 1.5 times more likely to have had their first sexual encounter between the ages of 16 and 19. However, there was no significant difference in condom use during oral or vaginal sex between app users and non-users. Notably, app users were 10% more likely to use condoms during anal sex.

For more information on sexually transmitted diseases, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.