Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Is Online Partner-Seeking Associated with Increased Risk of Condomless Sex and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Individuals Who Engage in Heterosexual Sex? A Systematic Narrative Review

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Archives of Sexual Behavior Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Use of Internet websites and mobile applications to meet potential romantic and sexual partners is becoming increasingly popular. While the Internet might foster better communication and sexual negotiation between partners, it can also be a deceptive environment that instigates and accelerates sexual risk-taking. Given the complexities of the Internet, it is critical to examine the association between risky sexual behaviors (RSBs) and online partner-seeking. Five databases (i.e., Google Scholar, PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Ovid Medline) were searched for articles published before September 10, 2017, that examined the association between online partner solicitation (either for romantic and/or sexual reasons) and RSBs. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were empirical papers published in English-language peer-reviewed journals looking at samples of online partner seekers who practice heterosexual sex (with a comparison group) and reporting either condom use or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) status, which were the two primary outcomes. A total of 25 studies met the criteria to be included in our review. Results from this literature search do not indicate a clear association between online partner-seeking and condom use or STI status. Potential moderators (i.e., age, gender, reasons for online partner solicitation, duration of Internet correspondence, and Internet modalities) that should be included in future research were identified. Sexual health prevention efforts should address methods to negotiate safe practices between sexual partners and to encourage healthy non-virtual relationships, particularly among vulnerable populations.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Al-Tayyib, A. A., McFarlane, M., Kachur, R., & Rietmeijer, C. A. (2009). Finding sex partners on the internet: What is the risk for sexually transmitted infections? Sexually Transmitted Infections, 85(3), 216–220.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barrere, A., Stern, J. E., Feng, Q., Hughes, J. P., & Winer, R. L. (2015). Oncogenic human papillomavirus infections in 18-to 24-year-old female online daters. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 42(9), 492–497.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bateson, D. J., Weisberg, E., McCaffery, K. J., & Luscombe, G. M. (2012). When online becomes offline: Attitudes to safer sex practices in older and younger women using an Australian internet dating service. Sexual Health, 9(2), 152–159.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beymer, M. R., Weiss, R. E., Bolan, R. K., Rudy, E. T., Bourque, L. B., Rodriguez, J. P., & Morisky, D. E. (2014). Sex on demand: Geosocial networking phone apps and risk of sexually transmitted infections among a cross-sectional sample of men who have sex with men in Los Angeles county. Sexually Transmitted Infections, 90(7), 567–572.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bolding, G., Davis, M., Hart, G., Sherr, L., & Elford, J. (2006). Heterosexual men and women who seek sex through the Internet. International Journal of STD and AIDS, 17(8), 530–534.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brown, M. J., Pugsley, R., & Cohen, S. A. (2015). Meeting sex partners through the internet, risky sexual behavior, and HIV testing among sexually transmitted infections clinic patients. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 44(2), 509–519.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Buhi, E. R., Blunt, H. D., Wheldon, C., & Bull, S. S. (2013a). Sexuality and new technologies. In D. L. Tolman, & L. M. Diamond (Eds.), APA handbook of sexuality and psychology (Vol. 2, pp. 77–101). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

    Google Scholar 

  • Buhi, E. R., Cook, R. L., Marhefka, S. L., Blunt, H. D., Wheldon, C., Oberne, A. B., … Dagne, G. A. (2012). Does the Internet represent a sexual health risk environment for young people? Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 39(1), 55–58.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Buhi, E. R., Klinkenberger, N., McFarlane, M., Kachur, R., Daley, E. M., Baldwin, J., … Rietmeijer, C. (2013b). Evaluating the Internet as a sexually transmitted disease risk environment for teens: Findings from the communication, health, and teens study. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 40(7), 528–533.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Centers for Disease Control & Prevention [CDC]. (2013). Condoms and STDs: Facts for public health personnel. Retrieved January 23, 2016, from http://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/latex.html.

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]. (2014a). Sexually transmitted disease surveillance, 2014. Retrieved January 23, 2016, from https://www.cdc.gov/std/stats14/std-trends-508.pdf.

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]. (2014b). Contraception. Retrieved January 23, 2016, from http://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/unintendedpregnancy/contraception.htm.

  • Centers for Disease Control & Prevention [CDC]. (2011). 10 ways STDs impact women differently from men. Retrieved October 17, 2017, from https://www.cdc.gov/std/health-disparities/stds-women-042011.pdf.

  • Choi, E. P. H., Wong, J. Y. H., & Fong, D. Y. T. (2018). An emerging risk factor of sexual abuse: The use of smartphone dating applications. Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment, 30, 343–366. https://doi.org/10.1177/1079063216672168.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Choi, E. P. H., Wong, J. Y. H., Lo, H. H. M., Wong, W., Chio, J. H. M., & Fong, D. Y. T. (2016a). The association between smartphone dating applications and college students’ casual sex encounters and condom use. Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare, 9, 38–41.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Choi, E. P. H., Wong, J. Y. H., Lo, H. H. M., Wong, W., Chio, J. H. M., & Fong, D. Y. T. (2016b). The impacts of using smartphone dating applications on sexual risk behaviours in college students in Hong Kong. PLoS ONE, 11(11), e0165394. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0165394.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Couch, D., & Liamputtong, P. (2008). Online dating and mating: The use of the internet to meet sexual partners. Qualitative Health Research, 18(2), 268–279.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Daneback, K., Månsson, S.-A., & Ross, M. (2007). Using the Internet to find offline sex partners. CyberPsychology & Behavior, 10(1), 100–107.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Enomoto, C., Noor, S., & Widner, B. (2017). Is social media to blame for the sharp rise in STDs? Social Sciences, 6(3), 78. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci6030078.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Epstein, M., Bailey, J. A., Manhart, L. E., Hill, K. G., Hawkins, J. D., Haggerty, K. P., & Catalano, R. F. (2014). Understanding the link between early sexual initiation and later sexually transmitted infection: Test and replication in two longitudinal studies. Journal of Adolescent Health, 54(4), 435–441. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2013.09.016.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fielder, R. L., Walsh, J. L., Carey, K. B., & Carey, M. P. (2014). Sexual hookups and adverse health outcomes: A longitudinal study of first-year college women. Journal of Sex Research, 51(2), 131–144.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gravningen, K., Aicken, C. R. H., Schirmer, H., & Mercer, C. H. (2015). Meeting sexual partners online: Associated sexual behaviour and prevalent chlamydia infection among adolescents in Norway: A cross-sectional study. Sexually Transmitted Infections, 92(2), 97–103.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Heino, R. D., Ellison, N. B., & Gibbs, J. L. (2010). Relationshopping: Investigating the market metaphor in online dating. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 27(4), 427–447. https://doi.org/10.1177/0265407510361614.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Heywood, W., Patrick, K., Smith, A. M. A., & Pitts, M. K. (2015). Associations between early first sexual intercourse and later sexual and reproductive outcomes: A systematic review of population-based data. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 44(3), 531–569.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hock-Long, L., Henry-Moss, D., Carter, M., Hatfield-Timajchy, K., Erickson, P. I., Cassidy, A., … Chittams, J. (2012). Condom use with serious and casual heterosexual partners: Findings from a community venue-based survey of young adults. AIDS and Behavior, 17(3), 900–913. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-012-0177-2.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Holloway, I. W., Dunlap, S., del Pino, H. E., Hermanstyne, K., Pulsipher, C., & Landovitz, R. J. (2014). Online social networking, sexual risk and protective behaviors: Considerations for clinicians and researchers. Current Addiction Reports, 1(3), 220–228.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Idso, C. (2009). Sexually transmitted infection prevention in newly single older women: A forgotten health promotion need. Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 5(6), 440–446.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jennings, J. M., Taylor, R., Iannacchione, V. G., Rogers, S. M., Chung, S.-E., Huettner, S., & Ellen, J. M. (2010). The available pool of sex partners and risk for a current bacterial sexually transmitted infection. Annals of Epidemiology, 20(7), 532–538.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kanuga, M., & Rosenfeld, W. D. (2004). Adolescent sexuality and the internet: The good, the bad, and the URL. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, 17(2), 117–124.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kuperberg, A., & Padgett, J. E. (2017). Partner meeting contexts and risky behavior in college students’ other-sex and same-sex hookups. Journal of Sex Research, 54(1), 55–72.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Larson, K., Sandelowski, M., & McQuiston, C. (2012). “It’s a touchy subject”: Latino adolescent sexual risk behaviors in the school context. Applied Nursing Research, 25(4), 231–238.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liau, A., Millett, G., & Marks, G. (2006). Meta-analytic examination of online sex-seeking and sexual risk behavior among men who have sex with men. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 33(9), 576–584.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ma, S., Stern, J. E., Feng, Q., Hughes, J. P., Hawes, S. E., & Winer, R. L. (2017). Incidence and risk factors for human papillomavirus infections in young female online daters. Journal of Medical Virology, 89(11), 2029–2036.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Malu, M. K., Challenor, R., Theobald, N., & Barton, S. E. (2004). Seeking and engaging in internet sex: A survey of patients attending genitourinary medicine clinics in Plymouth and in London. International Journal of STD and AIDS, 15(11), 720–724.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McFarlane, M., Bull, S. S., & Rietmeijer, C. A. (2000). The Internet as a newly emerging risk environment for sexually transmitted diseases. Journal of the American Medical Association, 284(4), 443–446.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McFarlane, M., Bull, S. S., & Rietmeijer, C. A. (2002). Young adults on the Internet: Risk behaviors for sexually transmitted diseases and HIV. Journal of Adolescent Health, 31(1), 11–16.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McFarlane, M., Kachur, R., Bull, S., & Rietmeijer, C. (2004). Women, the Internet, and sexually transmitted infections. Journal of Women’s Health, 13(6), 689–694.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Morison, T., & Cook, C. (2015). Midlife safer sex challenges for heterosexual New Zealand women re-partnering or in casual relationships. Journal of Primary Health Care, 7(2), 137–144.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nguyen, M., Bin, Y. S., & Campbell, A. (2012). Comparing online and offline self-disclosure: A systematic review. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 15(2), 103–111.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Padgett, P. M. (2007). Personal safety and sexual safety for women using online personal ads. Sexuality Research & Social Policy, 4(2), 27–37.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rice, E., Winetrobe, H., Holloway, I. W., Montoya, J., Plant, A., & Kordic, T. (2015). Cell phone internet access, online sexual solicitation, partner seeking, and sexual risk behavior among adolescents. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 44(3), 755–763.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rosen, L. D., Cheever, N. A., Cummings, C., & Felt, J. (2007). The impact of emotionality and self-disclosure on online dating versus traditional dating. Computers in Human Behavior, 24(5), 2124–2157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2007.10.003.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sawyer, A. N., Smith, E. R., & Benotsch, E. G. (2018). Dating application use and sexual risk behavior among young adults. Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 15, 183–191. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-017-0297-6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scott, M. E., Wildsmith, E., Welti, K., Ryan, S., Schelar, E., & Steward-Streng, N. R. (2011). Risky adolescent sexual behaviors and reproductive health in young adulthood. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 43(2), 110–118.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Seal, D. W., Benotsch, E. G., Green, M., Snipes, D. J., Bull, S. S., Cejka, A., … Nettles, C. D. (2015). The use of Internet chat rooms to meet sexual partners: A comparison of non-heterosexually identified men with heterosexually identified men and women. International Journal of Sexual Health, 27(1), 1–15.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Searles, R. (2012). Online dating now second most common way for couples to meet, study says. Retrieved January 23, 2016, from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/06/online-dating-common-couples-meet_n_1257243.html.

  • Siegel, K., Lekas, H.-M., Onaga, M., Verni, R., & Gunn, H. (2017). The strategies of heterosexuals from large metropolitan areas for assessing the risks of exposure to HIV or other sexually transmitted infections from partners met online. AIDS Patient Care and STDs, 31(4), 182–195.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Smith, A. (2016). 15% of American adults have used online dating sites or mobile dating apps. Retrieved September 9, 2017, from http://www.pewinternet.org/2016/02/11/15-percent-of-american-adults-have-used-online-dating-sites-or-mobile-dating-apps/.

  • Smith, A., & Anderson, M. (2016). 5 facts about online dating. Retrieved September 9, 2017, from http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/02/29/5-facts-about-online-dating/.

  • Smith, A., & Duggan, M. (2013). Online dating & relationships. Retrieved January 23, 2016, from http://www.pewinternet.org/2013/10/21/online-dating-relationships/.

  • Tulloch, T., & Kaufman, M. (2013). Adolescent sexuality. Pediatrics in Review, 34(1), 29–37.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Whiteley, L. B., Brown, L. K., Swenson, R. R., Valois, R. F., Vanable, P. A., Carey, M. P., … Romer, D. (2012). African American adolescents meeting sex partners online: Closing the digital research divide in STI/HIV prevention. Journal of Primary Prevention, 33(1), 13–18. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10935-012-0262-3.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Winer, R. L., Hughes, J. P., Feng, Q., Xi, L. F., Lee, S.-K., O’Reilly, S. F., … Koutsky, L. A. (2012). Prevalence and risk factors for oncogenic HPV infections in high-risk mid-adult women. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 39(11), 848–856. https://doi.org/10.1097/OLQ.0b013e3182641f1c.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Wong, M. L., Koh, T. T., Tjahjadi, S., & Govender, M. (2014). Men seeking sex online practise riskier sexual behaviours than men frequenting brothels: Survey findings from Singapore. Sexually Transmitted Infections, 90(5), 401–407.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wright, K. B. (2005). Researching Internet-based populations: Advantages and disadvantages of online survey research, online questionnaire authoring software packages, and web survey services. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 10(3), JCMC1034.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ybarra, M. L., & Mitchell, K. J. (2016). A national study of lesbian, gay, bisexual (LGB), and non-LGB youth sexual behavior online and in-person. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 45(6), 1357–1372.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Soto Street Building, 2001 N. Soto Street, 3rd Floor, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA

    Jennifer Y. Tsai, Steve Sussman, Trevor A. Pickering & Louise Ann Rohrbach

Authors
  1. Jennifer Y. Tsai
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Steve Sussman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Trevor A. Pickering
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Louise Ann Rohrbach
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jennifer Y. Tsai.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Tsai, J.Y., Sussman, S., Pickering, T.A. et al. Is Online Partner-Seeking Associated with Increased Risk of Condomless Sex and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Individuals Who Engage in Heterosexual Sex? A Systematic Narrative Review. Arch Sex Behav 48, 533–555 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-018-1235-2

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-018-1235-2

Keywords

Search

Navigation