Effects of Internalized Homonegativity and Face Visibility on HIV-Risk-Taking Behaviour in Gay Men Who Had Casual Sex Using Online-Dating Applications

Abstract

Objective: To examine how internalized homonegativity (IH) and face visibility on online-dating applications relate to HIV risk-taking in gay men. Methods: Gay men (n = 277) completed an online survey measuring IH, face visibility on online-dating profile(s), and frequency of unprotected sex. Results: Higher IH related to more unprotected receptive (but not insertive) anal intercourse with their casual sex partner(s). In gay men with low face visibility, higher IH related to the higher frequency of unprotected sex. Conclusions: IH and face visibility together may influence HIV-risk-taking behavior among gay men seeking casual sex through online-dating applications.

Keywords:

• Gay men
• internalized homonegativity
• online dating
• profile picture
• unprotected anal sex

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, Emīls Sietiņš, upon reasonable request.