Geospatial networking dating apps : an exploratory study on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of a sample of the resident population of the Maltese Islands

Abstract

Introduction: The development and surge of use of internet dating sites and dating apps have led to numerous ramifications pertaining to the dynamics of negotiation of sex, contraceptive use, and sexual practices, further led by socio-cultural changes in the pursuit of romantic relationships. This has in turn brought about a research interest in the area and investigation of local use and its myriad implications. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the research is to be an exploratory study targeting at gaining insight into the usage of dating apps in Malta and associated knowledge, attitudes and practices. Materials and Methods: An online survey was disseminated via the social media platform Facebook using paid advertisements and distribution amongst popular pages in Malta. Self-completed information about usage patterns, motivations, user characteristics, sexual behaviours and perceived risks and benefits of dating app use were collected. Conclusions gathered from dating app user respondents collected is applicable to the study context with restricted external validity and generalisability. Results and Discussion: A total of 95 responses were collected. Most dating app users were female, young, (25-34-years), had attained at least a tertiary level of education. They were of a heterosexual orientation and were born in Malta. The responders were either in an exclusive relationship, dating casually or single and not dating. Most of them had undergone formal sexualities and relationships education. The most popular dating apps overall were Tinder, Bumble, Badoo and Facebook Dating. The leading dating apps specifically targeting GBMSM were Grindr, followed by Scruff. Motivations for dating app use were diverse, ranging from passing time to sexual, relational and social motives. Survey respondents were most aware of HIV/AIDS, gonorrhoea, syphilis and chlamydia. The Malta-based sexual health services which were known by most respondents were the genitourinary clinic, breast screening, Richmond Foundation and Caritas. Two-thirds of respondents had partaken in sexual activities in the previous 12 months and one-third had not, with most of the former having had one sexual partner, followed by 2 to 5. Casual dating has been significantly associated with having casual sex. Being in an exclusive relationship and being single and not actively dating was in turn associated with lack of multiple partners. Survey respondents aged between 25-34 have been found to have significant associations with having sexual relations while drunk. Pregnancy considerations post-intercourse were very important in individuals who were in an exclusive relationship and those who were single and not actively dating. Moreover, the female survey respondents were also linked to placing high importance on perceptions that considerations of cancer, local soreness or pain, emotional considerations, and urinary tract infections. When considering the sample population, being born in Malta was linked to perceptions that considerations of physical issues related to body image and self-esteem being deemed as not being important or of a neutral nature. Conclusion The implications of dating app use on the local sexual health scene are considerable. Characterization of users, and associated knowledge, attitudes and behaviours, leading to the development targeted health promotion campaigns can improve the health of these populations considerably.