Geosocial Networking Apps Use Among Sexual Minority Men in Ecuador: An Exploratory Study

• DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-01921-0
• Publication Date: 2021-06-11T19:02:46Z
• Authors: Carlos Hermosa-Bo...; Paula Hidalgo-And...; Clara Paz
• Keywords: Exploratory research

Geosocial networking applications (GSN apps) have become important socialization contexts for sexual minority men (SMM). Despite their popularity, there is limited research carried out in Latin American countries and no single previous study done Ecuador. To fill this gap, exploratory described analyzed the relationships between sociodemographic characteristics of SMM using GSN apps, sought fulfilled expectations, profile shared characteristics, evaluation experiences as users including perceptions support, discrimination. We used an online recruited sample 303 participants enrolled November 2019 January 2020. Most respondents Grindr reported spending up to 3 h per day apps. common expectations were getting distracted, meeting new friends, people encounters. The least met expectation was someone build a romantic relationship with. When asked about profiles, sharing mainly age, photographs, role. Participants also prioritized these when looking at others' profiles. experiences, most having been discriminated against, weight being main reason it. Some indicated received emotional support from other users. Correlation analyses significant but weak among variables. Results positive correlation time active app user higher Likewise, number apps related positively with levels support. These results provide information that could inform future country region regarding use SMM, practices, modern dating tools.