Factors associated with dating app use for sexual “hookups” in the United States: insights from the National Survey of Family Growth
Authors: Ha Albert , Scott Michael , Zhang Chiyuan Amy , Glover Frank , Basran Satvir , Del Giudice Francesco , Eisenberg Michael L 
Published: August 2024

Background

The use of dating applications for matchmaking and sexual exploits (“hookups”) has increased, and this modern phenomenon has supplanted traditional socialization and relationship formation. To date, sociodemographic data on the use of dating apps has been limited.

Aim

In this study, we sought to identify predictors associated with the use of dating apps in the United States.

Methods

Using cross-sectional data from the 2017-2019 National Survey of Family Growth, we examined sociodemographic determinants influencing the use of dating apps to find partners for sexual intercourse. We constructed survey-weighted regression models to study these associations, with additional sensitivity analyses performed within specific subgroups. Furthermore, this study investigated the correlation of app use with sexual frequency.

Outcome

Study outcomes were participant data regarding reported use of dating apps for sexual intercourse in the 2017-2019 National Survey of Family Growth.

Results

A total of 11,225 respondents were examined, representing a survey-weighted total of approximately 143,201, 286 Americans. Among them, 757 respondents (6.7%), equating to approximately 8, 818, 743 individuals, reported dating app use for sexual hookups. Regression analysis revealed that factors such as male sex, White race, previous sexual experience, substance/alcohol use, history of sexually transmitted infections, same-sex attraction, and bisexuality increased the likelihood of dating app usage. Conversely, reduced odds of dating app use were observed among Catholics, Protestants, married/widowed individuals, and older respondents. Stratified analyses across various demographics, including male and female individuals aged 20 to 40 years, heterosexual, and lesbian, gay, and bisexual respondents, generally supported these trends. Notably, dating app use did not correlate with increased sexual frequency (adjusted incidence rate ratio: 1.10; 95% CI: 0.96-1.26; P = .16).

Clinical implications

Dating app use is prevalent among male patients and White individuals and correlates with increased sexually transmitted infection risk, alcohol/illicit substance use, past sexual experience, and popularity within the lesbian, gay, and bisexual community, all important considerations for public health interventions. Dating app use, however, was not associated with increased sexual encounters.

Strengths and Limitations

Strengths of our study were the utilization of a national survey of individuals of reproductive age in the United States and focus on a clearly defined outcome of dating app utilization for the purposes of sexual intercourse. Limitations include self-reported survey responses and insufficient detail on the types and duration of dating app platforms and their use.

Conclusions

Many sociodemographic factors, including male sex, White race, history of STIs, substance and alcohol use, and same-sex and bisexual attraction, were linked with dating app use. However, there was no increase in sexual frequency associated with dating app utilization. Further research is essential for integrating these technologies into the relational and sexual dynamics of individuals.