Innov Clin Neurosci. 2026;23(4–6):5–9.

Dear Editor:

Dating apps and other social networks (DSN) that allow individuals to look for love and romance have fundamentally changed the big picture of the social scene for gay and bisexual men. It has created a level of unprecedented access where they can easily meet potential romantic and sexual partners. Apps such as Grindr, Scruff, Tinder, and Hornet have not only facilitated connections but have also created new dynamics of risk, particularly in the realm of sexual violence (SV) victimization, as reported recently reported, concerning men who have sex with men (MSM).1

Given that MSM face a certain heightened risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) compared to straight men,2 there’s also a keen need to look closely at the overlap between popular dating apps and STI risk.

What makes DSN apps so appealing is their convenience and how easy they are to use. They give people who often feel undervalued or at odds with the society a way to connect with others who share their interests and ideas. These apps help people go from being isolated individuals to having a community of shared values and goals around them. These platforms provide a space where users can express their identities freely, meet others who share their experiences, and explore relationships that might otherwise be difficult to form in offline settings.3 Among all apps, Grindr appears to be the most prominent app for same-sex male relationships that connects users quickly. Grindr excels because users can easily double-check each other’s locations through its location features.4 Scruff stands out with a big emphasis on community building and a wider range of what people are looking for when they date there. Tinder is designed for a broad and diverse user base, including heterosexual and LGBTQ+ individuals. It is a go-to for people who want either something short term or long term. Hornet is known for incorporating social network elements into the app, and it can give people a deep feeling that connects beyond just hookups. While these platforms afford users huge benefits, they also expose them to some big risks, such as risks to personal safety.5

Additionally, dealing with drug use and STIs increases the risks faced by MSM (and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other [LGBTQ+] individuals in general) when things get managed through apps. The anonymity and rapid connections facilitated by these platforms can lead to impulsive decisions regarding substance use, which may impair judgment and lead to risky sexual behaviors as well as violence. Studies have shown that substance use, particularly alcohol and drugs, is often associated with increased likelihood of engaging in unprotected sex, heightening the risk of STIs.6 Additionally, the pressure to conform to certain social norms within these digital spaces can contribute to higher rates of substance use, further complicating the landscape of sexual health for LGBTQ+ individuals.7

It is imperative that users are educated not only about the risks of SV but also about the potential health implications associated with substance use and the importance of safer sex practices.

Spotting warning signs that may indicate escalating levels of potential danger, commonly categorized as yellow, orange, and red flags, can help users recognize risky situations and make safer decisions when interacting through DSN apps1:

Yellow flags serve as initial indicators that a potential partner may pose a risk but do not necessarily warrant immediate disengagement. This might involve personal details that are murky or inconsistent, a disinclination to share personal information like contacts or identification (ID) numbers, or an obsession with maintaining strict privacy. While these factors alone may not signify an imminent threat, they require users to exercise caution and gather more information before proceeding. MSM as well as LGBTQ+ individuals using DSN apps often encounter profiles that lack clear photos, provide only minimal information, or evade direct questions about identity and intentions. Such behaviors can signal an attempt to obscure true motives, potentially putting users at risk.

Orange flags represent more serious warning signs that suggest the need for heightened vigilance. This may include intense pressure to meet alone in private locations, sexually aggressive or coercive messaging, dismissive attitudes toward personal safety concerns, or behaviors that minimize, ignore, or challenge the importance of consent and personal boundaries. MSM navigating DSN apps can encounter individuals who push boundaries or attempt to create situations where power dynamics are skewed in their favor. When an individual insists on meeting in secluded areas, refuses to engage in conversations about boundaries, or exhibits controlling behavior, users must recognize these as cautionary signals. Addressing these concerns proactively (whether by seeking additional verification, choosing public meeting locations, or maintaining communication with trusted friends) can mitigate the potential for harm.

Red flags are clear indicators of danger that should prompt immediate disengagement. These include direct threats, belligerent or aggressive behavior, outright refusal to accept no for an answer, or extensive history of predatory behavior. MSM have reported instances where matches on DSN apps have displayed aggressive tendencies, issued ultimatums, or leveraged psychological manipulation to force encounters. The lack of strict identity verification on many DSN platforms further exacerbates this issue, as perpetrators can create multiple profiles, hide behind fake identities, or exploit the relative anonymity of digital spaces to avoid accountability. When a person starts doing risky things, the safest thing to do is to step away.

The results of this study provide important building blocks for understanding how MSM assess risks in digital situations,1 and these findings could and should be generalized to the entire LGBTQ+ community. However, more research is needed to determine whether these perceived risk factors correlate with actual instances of SV perpetration. Additionally, educating MSM, as well as all LGBTQ+ people, on how to navigate DSN apps safely can be a crucial step in reducing victimization.

More apps that deal with dating and romantic relationships are starting to add safety features. They require users to verify their profiles first through security measures such as photographic identification or personal background checks. They also have systems that let people report troubling or concerning interactions directly through the app itself and may automatically notify users when they detect that a match that potentially poses an unsafe situation. However, these measures alone are insufficient without broader efforts to educate users on recognizing and responding to risk factors effectively.

Ultimately, reducing SV risk among MSM using DSN apps requires a multifaceted approach that includes platform accountability, user education, and broader societal efforts to challenge stigma and discrimination. While DSN apps provide incredible benefits for connection and expression, there are also serious risks that must be managed. Encouraging talk that includes putting safety first and setting up stronger ways to make sure people who use the internet are who they say they are can combat risks too and create a safer zone on the digital planet for both MSM and LGBTQ+ just looking for connection with others.

With regards,

Rocco Salvatore Calabrò, MD, PhD

Dr. Calabrò is with the Neurorehabilitation Unit at IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulego,” Messina, Italy.

Funding/financial disclosures. The author has no relevant conflicts of interest. No funding was received for the preparation of this letter.

References

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  2. Olakunde BO, Adeyinka DA, Ujam C, et al. Sexual violence and the increased risk of HIV among MSM in Nigeria. AIDS Behav. 2025;29:
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