Jack’d dating application motivations, experiences, and sexual risk behaviors: a qualitative pilot study

Abstract

Introduction: Little is known about geosocial networking dating application use among young Black gay and bisexual men (YBGBM), a group severely affected by HIV in the United States. The purpose of this study was to explore: (1) How YBGBM describe motivations to use Jack’d; (2) How YBGBM describe and experience meeting romantic-sexual partners on Jack’d, including partner preferences and offline sexual encounters; and (3) How these descriptions and experiences reflect sexual risk behaviors?Methods: Between April and July 2015, we conducted 23 face-to-face semistructured interviews with self-identified Black gay (n = 15) and bisexual (n = 8) men (21–25 years) (M = 23.48, SD = 1.5) in Washington, DC. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis methodology.Results: Motivations to use Jack’d included discomfort and challenges meeting men in open/public spaces that may lead to homophobic violence. Nearly half articulated distrust of HIV-negative disclosure from their Jack'd-met partner. Some participants reported inconsistent condom use when the insertive partner in anal sex, and several perceived Jack’d-met partners their own age to be less concerned about HIV than older men.Conclusion: HIV prevention strategies directed toward YBGBM should consider the role dating applications may play in either exacerbating or attenuating sexual risk.