Abstract
As technology use among gay men is increasing, investigation of the impact of technology on sexual and romantic relationships is warranted. The purpose of the current analysis was to explore the positive aspects of technology use among a community sample of young, Canadian gay men. Nine focus groups were held; transcripts were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's (2006) approach to thematic analysis. Participants described benefits related to finding and filtering partners, sexual facilitation, relationship development and maintenance, ending relationships, communication, and identity development—all largely as a result of Internet use. Findings may help mitigate negative conceptualizations of Internet use among gay men.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Raymond M. McKie
Raymond M. McKie is currently enrolled in his master's of science in psychology with a health specialization at Trent University. Raymond previously attended the University of Guelph for his honors bachelor's of arts in psychology under the supervision of Dr. Robin Milhausen.
Nathan J. Lachowsky
Nathan J. Lachowsky is a PhD candidate of epidemiology in the Department of Population Medicine at the University of Guelph as well as a Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) Vanier Canada graduate scholar and CIHR Universities Without Walls senior fellow.
Robin R. Milhausen
Robin R. Milhausen, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition at the University of Guelph, where she also acts as the graduate coordinator. Recently she has also been involved in a variety of television programs making guest appearances and hosting.