Online dating applications ODAs are gaining popularity, raising concerns about their potential addictive effects on users' health. The main objective of this study was to investigate the association between problematic ODA use and mental health, substance use, and sexual behavior outcomes in men-who-have-sex-with-men MSM.
Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to investigate associations of PODAUS with mental, sexual health, and substance use outcomes. Regarding sexual health, significant negative associations of small to medium effect sizes were found between PODAUS and lifetime prevalence of sexually transmitted infections, body acceptance, and sexual fulfillment, while a significant positive association with trait sex motivation occurred.
Given the omnipresence of smartphones and internet access, the extensive use of online dating apps ODAs necessitates an investigation into their potential associations with health outcomes. With over Geolocation features in popular ODAs like Tinder and Grindr facilitate both online and offline interactions, leading to sexual encounters Miles, ODAs offer quick, rewarding experiences through positive social feedback, fostering instant gratification and potentially addictive behaviors due to reward anticipation and dopaminergic activation before receiving interactions like messages or matches Griffiths, ; Liberacka-Dwojak et al.
Despite its advantages for users, ODAs may contribute to adverse mental health outcomes in MSM, such as low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, and trauma from discrimination, harassment, and racism Bineau et al. Empirical evidence increasingly links extensive use of ODAs to mental health adversities in MSM, such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, diminished self-control, greater psychological distress, and suicidal thoughts Holtzhausen et al.
Studies on the link between ODA use and substance use show mixed results. Research has linked the ease of connecting with potential sexual partners via ODAs to increased sexual risks and risky sexual behaviors, such as unprotected intercourse, multiple partners, sex addiction, and a rise in sexually transmitted infections STIs , although results are mixed Wang et al. Moreover, higher levels of depression and anxiety among ODA users exacerbate risky sexual behavior, further impairing mental and overall health Ciocca et al.
