Geosocial-networking Smartphone Applications Research Articles

HIV incidence among men who have sex with men using geosocial networking smartphone application in Beijing, China: an open cohort study

BackgroundSexual transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM) is the dominant route of HIV transmission in China. Extensive use of geosocial networking (GSN) smartphone application (app) has dramatically changed the pattern of sexual behaviors and HIV risk among MSM, but data on HIV incidence and the changing risk behaviors of GSN app-using MSM are limited. We aims to assess the HIV incidence and its correlates among gay GSN app-using MSM in China.MethodsWe constructed an open cohort which was initiated and maintained using a GSN app to assess the HIV incidence among app-using MSM, recruited from June 2017 to December 2018. MSM completed an online questionnaire on their sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, recreational drug use and sexually transmitted infections status. Then each man had an HIV test, and those tested negatives were enrolled into the cohort. Participants completed follow-ups with additional HIV tests though the app during the study period, and were censored at HIV seroconversion or study end date. HIV incidence was calculated by dividing the sum of observed HIV seroconversions by the observed person-time. Univariate (Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test) and multivariate (proportional hazards regression) analyses were used to examine correlates of HIV incidence.ResultsA total of 6957 HIV negative MSM were enrolled in the open cohort, 37 seroconversions occurred among 1937 men contributing 1065 observed person-years: HIV incidence was 3.47 per 100 person-years [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.37–4.57]. More than five sexual partners [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.04–6.67], and sex with HIV positive partners (HR = 3.82, 95% CI: 1.16–12.64) in the preceding six months were positively associated with HIV seroconversion. Consistent condom use for anal sex (HR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.07–0.96), and reporting insertive anal sex only (HR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.08–0.62) in the preceding six months were protective factors for HIV seroconversion.ConclusionsTailored interventions targeting app-using MSM are urgently needed given their high risk of HIV. As a new tool for accessing MSM at higher HIV risk, GSN smartphone app could play an important role in HIV research among MSM.

Gay and Bisexual Men’s Recommendations for Effective Digital Social Marketing Campaigns to Enhance HIV Prevention and Care Continuity

Because use of geosocial-networking smartphone applications ('apps') is ubiquitous among men who have sex with men (MSM), online-to-offline service models that include advertisements on these apps may improve engagement with effective HIV prevention and treatment services. Through our formative qualitative study, we conducted individual in-depth interviews (n = 30) and focus group discussions (n = 18) with MSM in Rhode Island to develop a digital social marketing campaign aimed at increasing HIV testing, including how best to reach men by advertising on apps. Qualitative data analysis revealed that participants were frequently exposed to pop-up advertisements on apps. These advertisements are viewed as invasive and, as such, many expressed a preference for other formats (e.g., direct messages, banner advertisements). Men expressed a preference for provocative images and phrases to catch their attention followed with fact-driven messaging to motivate them to engage with services offline. Findings from this study offer several practical recommendations for developing a social marketing campaign that uses advertisements on apps to increase HIV testing among MSM, including using formats other than pop-up advertisements and pairing fact-driven messaging with eye-catching images to direct them to trusted local clinical services.

Development and validation of the New Somatomorphic Matrix–Male: A figural rating scale for measuring male actual–ideal body discrepancy.

This study aimed to develop and examine the validity evidence of the New Somatomorphic Matrix-Male (NSM-M) as a measure of actual-ideal body discrepancy. The NSM-M is a visual matrix of 34 male bodies that vary along two dimensions: body fat percentage (range = 4-40%) and muscularity (fat-free mass index; range = 16.5-30 kg/m2; 36.4-66.1 lbs/m2). In Study 1, participants were 2,733 sexual minority males recruited via a geosocial networking smartphone application. Participants selected their actual and ideal bodies on the NSM-M and additionally completed questionnaires measuring body dissatisfaction, eating disorder symptoms, quality of life, and anabolic steroid use. In Study 2, participants were 33 males from a community sample. They completed the NSM-M across two sessions, 7-14 days apart. NSM-M scores demonstrated concurrent and convergent validity as a measure of male body dissatisfaction. In addition, NSM-M scores discriminated between steroid users and nonusers, and between body mass index categories. The NSM-M also demonstrated sound test-retest reliability across a 7- to 14-day period. In sum, the NSM-M is validated figural measure of male actual-ideal body discrepancy with notable strengths, including fast administration time and enhanced ecological validity.

Relative strength of the associations of body fat, muscularity, height, and penis size dissatisfaction with psychological quality of life impairment among sexual minority men.

To date, there is scant research on whether different domains of male body dissatisfaction vary in the strength of their relationships with psychological well-being. This paucity also extends to sexual minority men (i.e., men who report their sexual orientation as gay or bisexual). Thus, among sexual minority men, we examined the relative strength of the associations of four key male body dissatisfaction domains- body fat, muscularity, height, and penis size - with psychological quality of life impairment. A geographically representative sample of 2,733 sexual minority men completed a self-report survey, which was advertised nationwide across Australia and New Zealand to users of a popular geosocial-networking smartphone application. Participants completed a measure of psychological quality of life in addition to measures of body fat, muscularity, height, and penis size dissatisfaction. Results indicated that increased dissatisfaction with each domain of male body dissatisfaction was uniquely associated with psychological quality of life impairment. The strongest relationship with quality of life impairment was observed for muscularity dissatisfaction (effect size small to medium), followed by dissatisfaction with body fat (small), height (small), and penis size (very small). These relationships were not moderated by participants’ sexual orientation (exclusively gay vs. bisexual), cultural background, or relationship status. The findings emphasize the need to prioritize research on muscularity dissatisfaction and related psychopathology, a category inclusive of muscularity-oriented disordered eating, muscle dysmorphia, and anabolic steroid misuse and dependence. Contrary to common disparaging stereotypes about men and their body image concerns, penis dissatisfaction was relatively uncommon and evidenced the weakest association with quality of life impairment.

Use of geosocial networking applications is independently associated with diagnosis of STI among men who have sex with men testing for STIs: findings from the cross-sectional MSM Internet Survey Ireland (MISI) 2015

ObjectivesMSM Internet Survey Ireland (MISI) 2015 was an anonymous, self-completed, cross-sectional internet survey assessing sexual behaviours and health needs among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Ireland. We...

The use of geosocial networking smartphone applications and the risk of sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundGeosocial networking smartphone applications (apps) are popular tools for seeking sexual partners among men who have sex with men (MSM). We evaluated app use and risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in app-using MSM (app-users) by a systematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsA literature search for relevant studies was performed. We extracted date of STIs (ever being diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus [HIV], syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia) and sexual behavior (e.g., number of app-met partners, unprotected anal/oral sex, HIV testing) from the eligible studies. Pooled proportions and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated.ResultsTwenty-five studies were included. The self-reported prevalence of prior diagnosis of HIV among app-users ranged from 2.2 to 37.7%, and the pooled prevalence of HIV infection was 6% (95% CI, 4–11%). Compared with non-users, app-users were more likely to have gonorrhea (OR = 2.36; 95% CI, 2.07–2.70) and chlamydia (OR = 2.22; 95% CI, 1.92–2.56). The two groups were similar in terms of diagnoses of HIV (OR = 0.89, 95% CI, 0.68–1.16) and syphilis (OR = 1.92; 95% CI, 0.91–4.03). However, when one study that caused substantial heterogeneity was omitted, the pooled OR for app-users to contract syphilis became 3.00 (95% CI, 1.84–4.91) .ConclusionsMSM who seek sexual partners using apps may be more likely to have STIs as than are non-users.

Sex Tourism and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Modality Preferences Among Men Who Have Sex With Men

Sex tourism among men who have sex with men (MSM) has been associated with increased risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) due to sexually scripted environments characterized by multiple sexual partners, increased availability of alcohol and drugs, and limited availability of HIV-prevention services. The current study examined the knowledge of and likelihood of using different modalities of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), an important biomedical HIV-prevention strategy, among MSM in Paris who have engaged in sex tourism. A sample of 580 MSM from a highly popular geosocial-networking smartphone application in Paris, France, participated in the survey. Of the 580 MSM, 444 participants reported an HIV-negative status and represent the analytic sample for this study. Approximately 27% reported engaging in sexual tourism. MSM who engaged in sex tourism were more likely to aware of on-demand PrEP and more likely to express interest in using on-demand PrEP (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] = 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03–1.53, aRR = 1.29; 95% CI = 1.04–1.61, respectively) than MSM who never engaged in sex tourism. Moreover, participants who engaged in sex tourism were more likely to express interest in rectal microbicides or both rectal and penile microbicides (aRR = 1.34; 95% CI = 1.13–1.59, aRR = 1.26; 95% CI = 1.03–1.55, respectively) than participants who had not engaged in sex tourism. With the high likelihood of interest in using alternative forms of PrEP in MSM who engage in sex tourism, this study suggests potential benefits for these alternative forms of PrEP for this specific population and underscores the importance of their continued development.

Perceived Candidacy for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Paris, France.

Low perception of HIV risk is a challenge to PrEP implementation. We analyzed associations between perceptions of PrEP candidacy, behavioral indications for PrEP, and sexual behaviors. We recruited a sample of 580 MSM from a geosocial-networking smartphone application in Paris, France. A modified Poisson regression model was conducted to examine associations between perceived candidacy for PrEP and behavioral indications for PrEP, and relationships among engagement in group sex, transactional sex, HIV test history, and indications for PrEP. Adjusted risk ratios (aRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. For the outcome of perceived candidacy for PrEP, a multinomial logistic regression was performed, and adjusted relative risk ratios (aRRR) were calculated. Multivariate analyses were adjusted for socio-demographics. Respondents who considered themselves PrEP candidates were more likely to meet PrEP eligibility criteria compared to those who did not consider themselves candidates (aRR 1.65; 95% CI 1.34-2.03). Those who had engaged in group or transactional sex were more likely to have behavioral indications for PrEP (aRR 1.27; 95% CI 1.07-1.50, aRR 1.32; 95% CI 1.13-1.56, respectively), whereas HIV test history was not significantly associated with behavioral indications for PrEP. Respondents who had engaged in group sex or transactional sex were more likely to perceive themselves as candidates for PrEP (aRRR 2.24; 95% CI 1.21-4.16, aRRR 2.58; 95% CI 1.09-6.13, respectively), although those never tested for HIV were less likely to perceive themselves as candidates for PrEP (aRRR 0.18; 95% CI 0.03-0.91). The elucidation of candidacy perceptions and risk behaviors is key to furthering the effective implementation of PrEP engagement interventions.

Financial hardship and drug use among men who have sex with men

BackgroundLittle is known about the role of financial hardship as it relates to drug use, especially among men who have sex with men (MSM). As such, this study aimed to investigate potential associations between financial hardship status and drug use among MSM.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of 580 MSM in Paris recruited using a popular geosocial-networking smartphone application (GSN apps). Descriptive analyses and multivariate analyses were performed. A modified Poisson model was used to assess associations between financial hardship status and use of drugs (any drugs, tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, inhalant nitrites, and club drugs).ResultsIn our sample, 45.5% reported that it was somewhat, very, or extremely difficult to meet monthly payments of bills (high financial hardship). In multivariate analyses, a high level of financial hardship was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of reporting use of any substance use (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] = 1.15; 95% CI = 1.05–1.27), as well as use of tobacco (aRR = 1.45; 95% CI = 1.19–1.78), marijuana (aRR = 1.48; 95% CI =1.03–2.13), and inhalant nitrites (aRR = 1.24; 95% CI = 1.03–1.50).ConclusionsFinancial hardship was associated with drug use among MSM, suggesting the need for interventions to reduce the burden of financial hardship in this population.

Transactional Sex and Preferences for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Administration Modalities Among Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM)

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an important biomedical human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention tool gaining more popularity among Parisian men who have sex with men (MSM) who engage in transactional sex. This study examines the knowledge of, and willingness to use, different modalities of PrEP among this subgroup. Broadcast advertisements were placed on a geosocial-networking smartphone application with a link to a Web-based survey during three 24-hour periods in October 2016. Modified Poisson regression models were used to assess the association between engagement in transactional sex and preferences for each of these PrEP modalities. A total of 444 respondents were included. About 14% reported engagement in transactional sex. In all, 90% of MSM who engaged in transactional sex were knowledgeable of daily oral PrEP, while 13.3% were knowledgeable about long-acting injectable PrEP or penile or rectal microbicides. They were more likely to be aware of long-acting injectable PrEP (aRR = 2.52, 95% CI = 1.16 to 5.47) and willing to use daily oral PrEP (aRR = 1.48; 95% CI = 1.11 to 1.98) or long-acting injectable PrEP (aRR = 1.40; 95% CI = 1.09 to 1.81) than MSM who had not engaged in transactional sex. Long-acting injectable PrEP may be an important HIV-prevention option for MSM who engage in transactional sex if this modality is proven effective.

Use of poppers and HIV risk behaviours among men who have sex with men in Paris, France: an observational study.

The use of inhaled nitrites, or poppers, among men who have sex with men (MSM) is prevalent, yet has been associated with HIV seroconversion. We surveyed 580 MSM from a geosocial networking smartphone application in Paris, France, in 2016. Of the respondents, 46.7% reported popper use within the previous 3 months. Regression models adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics found that the use of poppers was significantly (P<0.05) associated with the following during the prior 3 months: condomless anal intercourse (adjusted relative risk (aRR) 1.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07-1.50), use of alcohol and/or drugs during sex once or twice (adjusted relative risk ratio (aRRR) 2.33, 95% CI 1.44-2.03), three to five times (aRRR 5.41, 95% CI 2.98-9.84) or six or more times (aRRR 4.09, 95% CI 2.22-7.56), participation in group sex (aRRR 3.70, 95% CI 2.33-5.90) and self-reported diagnosis with any sexually transmissible infection over the previous year (aRR 1.63, 95% CI 1.18-2.27), specifically chlamydia (aRR 2.75, 95% CI 1.29-4.29) and syphilis (aRR 2.27, 95% CI 1.29-4.29).

Are Anal Sex Roles Associated with Preferences for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Administration Modalities Among Men Who Have Sex with Men?

The current study sought to examine awareness of, willingness to use, and preferences for available and theoretical administration modalities for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and the association of anal sex roles with these concepts among a sample of men who have sex with men (MSM) in Paris, France. Broadcast advertisements were placed on a popular geosocial-networking smartphone application for MSM to direct users to complete a Web-based survey. MSM answered questions on their recent engagement in condomless anal intercourse and awareness of and willingness to use PrEP in the form of once daily and event-driven pill regimens, long-acting injections, and penile and rectal microbicides as well as sexual roles. Multinomial regression models were fit to assess the association between behaviorally classified anal sexual role and preferences for one of these biomedical prevention modalities. A total of 482 HIV-uninfected MSM completed the survey, 48.1% of whom engaged in some form of condomless anal intercourse in the preceding 3months. Most respondents (85.3%) had heard of once daily PrEP, but fewer respondents had heard of other prevention strategies. Assuming equal effectiveness, long-acting injections were the most commonly preferred (21.8%). Behaviorally defined "bottom" and "versatile" MSM more frequently preferred long-acting injections (32.9% of "bottoms" and 25.3% of "versatiles"). The development of long-acting injections to deliver antiretroviral drugs and topical microbicides may offer more convenient and acceptable options for HIV prevention among MSM, as MSM in this sample were willing to use them and would prefer to use them over currently available pill regimens.

Considerable interest in pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake among men who have sex with men recruited from a popular geosocial-networking smartphone application in London

ABSTRACTMen who have sex with men (MSM) who use smartphone applications (apps) to meet sexual partners represent a high-risk subset of MSM. As such, the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) may be highly suitable. The purpose of the study was to evaluate awareness of and willingness to use PrEP among 179 HIV-uninfected MSM recruited in London who use these apps. Regression models were fit to assess the associations between perceived barriers and willingness to use PrEP in the future. Most (84.9%) had heard of PrEP and more than half (57.1%) were willing to use PrEP in the future if it were to become available. Low perceived risk for acquiring HIV (prevalence ratio (PR): 0.11; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.04, 0.33) and concerns about PrEP-related side effects (PR: 0.01; 95% CI: 0.00, 0.04) were associated with being unwilling to use PrEP. Efforts to make PrEP widely available should be continued. Uptake interventions should focus on correcting self-perceptions of HIV risk and educate MSM about the potential side effects of PrEP use so that MSM can make more informed decisions about prevention options.

Anabolic steroid use among gay and bisexual men living in Australia and New Zealand: Associations with demographics, body dissatisfaction, eating disorder psychopathology, and quality of life

Background and aimsGay and bisexual men may be at heightened risk for using anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS). Few studies, however, have examined AAS use among gay and bisexual men living in countries outside the United States. In addition, few studies have explored the potential associations of AAS use with body image concerns beyond muscularity, including height and genitals, or with eating disorder symptoms and quality of life. Thus, we examined the associations of AAS use, and of thoughts about using AAS, with body image, eating disorder symptoms, and quality of life among gay and bisexual men living in Australia and New Zealand. MethodsA sample of 2733 gay and bisexual men completed an online survey promoted by paid nationwide advertisements to users of geosocial-networking smartphone applications. ResultsThe prevalence of AAS use, and of thoughts about using AAS, were 5.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.4%, 6.1%) and 25.4% (95% CI: 23.8%, 27.1%), respectively. Multivariate analyses revealed that more frequent thoughts about using AAS were associated with being older, taller, and experiencing greater dissatisfaction with muscularity and height, less dissatisfaction with body fat, greater eating disorder symptoms, and lower subjective quality of life. Actual AAS users were more likely to be older, from a non-Australian/New Zealander cultural background, experiencing less dissatisfaction with body fat, and experiencing greater eating disorder symptoms. ConclusionsPsychopathology related to body image and eating disorders are associated with AAS use among gay and bisexual men living in Australia and New Zealand.

The tall and the short of it: An investigation of height ideals, height preferences, height dissatisfaction, heightism, and height-related quality of life impairment among sexual minority men

Human height has attracted empirical interest from a variety of psychological perspectives. However, little research has explored height from the perspective of sexual minority men, inclusive of their height beliefs, height preferences, height dissatisfaction, experiences of heightism, and height-related quality of life impairment. We explored these height variables in 2733 sexual minority men who completed a survey distributed nationwide to Australian and New Zealander users of geosocial-networking smartphone applications. Results showed that men’s ideal height (M=182.26cm, SD=5.93cm) was taller than their actual height (M=178.96cm, SD=7.52cm). Shorter and taller men reported negative and positive treatment from others due to their height, respectively, with the cross-over (i.e., neutral) point at approximately 175–176cm. Heightism was reported by 11.0% of men. Height dissatisfaction and heightism were uniquely associated with quality of life impairment; the size of these associations was small.

Correlates of engagement in group sex events among men who have sex with men in London who use geosocial-networking smartphone applications.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) who attend group sex events (GSEs) tend to also engage in high-risk sexual behaviors and substance use that may place them at additional increased risk for becoming infected with HIV. These sorts of events may be facilitated by the use of geosocial-networking smartphone applications, where MSM may have access to a large virtual pool of potential partners. The purpose of the current study was to examine the prevalence of recent engagement in GSEs and its demographic and behavioral correlates among a sample of MSM ( n = 202). Log-binomial models were fit to assess correlates of engagement in GSEs in the preceding three months. Overall, 42.6% had engaged in a GSE in the preceding three months. In multivariable models, the use of inhalant nitrites (PR: 2.239; 95% CI: 1.119, 4.848; p = .024) and methamphetamine (PR: 7.601; 95% CI: 2.340, 24.691; p = .001) were associated with recent engagement in GSEs. Given the high prevalence of these potentially high-risk behaviors, future research should be conducted to examine the concurrent use of substance use and condom use at the GSEs to develop appropriate risk reduction interventions.

Rectal Douching Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Paris: Implications for HIV/STI Risk Behaviors and Rectal Microbicide Development

Rectal douching is a common but potentially risky practice among MSM; MSM who douche may be ideal candidates for rectal microbicides as HIV prevention. Herein we explored rectal douching and its association with condomless receptive anal intercourse (CRAI), group sex, rates of HIV and other STIs, and likelihood to use rectal microbicide gels. We recruited a sample of 580 MSM from a geosocial-networking smartphone application in Paris, France in 2016. Regression models estimated adjusted risk ratios (aRRs) for associations between rectal douche use and (1) engagement in CRAI, (2) group sex, (3) self-reported HIV and STI diagnoses, and (4) likelihood to use rectal microbicide gels for HIV prevention. 54.3% of respondents used a rectal douche or enema in the preceding 3months. Douching was significantly associated with CRAI (aRR: 1.77), participation in group sex (aRR: 1.42), HIV infection (aRR: 3.40), STI diagnosis (aRR: 1.73), and likelihood to use rectal microbicide gels (aRR: 1.78). Rectal douching is common among MSM, particularly those who practice CRAI, and rectal microbicide gels may be an acceptable mode of HIV prevention for MSM who use rectal douches.

Association of financial hardship with poor sleep health outcomes among men who have sex with men

Previous studies have identified an association between socioeconomic status and sleep health. While some research has studied this association among sexual minority groups, including men who have sex with men (MSM), they exclusively focused on US-based populations. The interplay between the two in shaping sleep health has not been previously examined on populations residing outside the US. This study considers both determinants, by investigating whether financial hardship is associated with sleep health among a sample of MSM in Paris, France. Broadcast advertisements were placed on a popular geosocial-networking smartphone application for MSM to direct users in Paris to a web-based survey measuring financial hardship and five dimensions of sleep health as well as socio-demographic characteristics. Modified Poisson models with robust error variance were computed to estimate risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the associations between financial hardship and the following self-reported outcomes: 1) poor sleep quality, 2) short sleep duration; and 3) sleep problems. In total, 580 respondents completed the survey. In this sample, both financial hardship and poor sleep health were common - 45.5% reported that it was extremely, very, or somewhat difficult for them to meet their monthly payments on bills (referred to as “high financial hardship”) and 30.1% rated their sleep as fairly bad or very bad (referred to as “poor sleep quality”). Multivariate models revealed that, compared to participants who reported low financial hardship, those who reported high financial hardship were more likely to report poor sleep quality (aRR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.77), to report problems falling asleep (aRR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.49), and to report problems staying awake in the daytime (aRR: 3.12, 95% CI: 1.83, 5.31). Future research should investigate whether this relationship is causal and determine whether interventions to reduce financial hardships could promote sleep health among MSM.

Community-level norms and condomless anal intercourse among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men who use geosocial-networking smartphone applications in the Deep South

ABSTRACTGeosocial-networking smartphone applications represent an increasingly common virtual context in which men who have sex with men (MSM) meet their sexual partners. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate community-level sexual behavior norms and their associations with condom use among MSM in Atlanta, Georgia, recruited from a popular smartphone application (n = 92). Engagement in condomless anal intercourse was more common among participants who agreed that, among MSM in their community, (a) it is difficult to negotiate condom use in partnerships where condomless sex has already occurred and (b) suggesting condom use implies one distrusts their partner. These norms may represent barriers to increasing condom use.

Is it Too Soon to Meet? Examining Differences in Geosocial Networking App Use and Sexual Risk Behavior of Emerging Adults

Location-based geosocial networking smartphone applications (GSN apps) have become a popular way to meet romantic and casual sex partners. Although first used primarily by men who have sex with men (MSM), GSN apps are now commonly used in the population at large, particularly among emerging adults. Although, these apps may potentially contribute to increases in STI/HIV incidence, previous research linking GSN app use to sexual risk behavior has been mixed, with some suggesting app users report greater sexual risk behavior and others suggesting less. The present paper details findings of two studies with independent samples of emerging adults. The first, a pilot study, examined GSN app use among young MSM (n = 64) to identify possible within-group factors relating dating app use to sexual risk behavior. Results indicated that the time app users spent talking to each other through the app before meeting in person (time before meeting) was related to engagement in sexual risk behavior. Those who talked less before meeting in person engaged in more sexual risk behaviors than those who spent more time talking before meeting in person. The second study sought to expand upon this finding in a more representative sample of GSN app users (n = 129) and compared sexual risk behavior and impulsivity to non-users (n = 88). There were no differences in sexual risk behavior between GSN app users and non-users. However, when examining app users by time before meeting, those with a shorter time before meeting were more impulsive and more likely to report sexual risk behavior. These findings highlight the importance of understanding GSN app use in the spread of STIs/HIV among emerging adults.