Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Dating is a normative behavior for youth, yet few studies have examined the relationship between romantic partner-seeking and sexual behavior among young men who have sex with men YMSM. We discuss the implications of our findings and conclude that there is a need to further examine romantic partner-seeking among YMSM. At present, many of those explorations take place over the Internet [ 4 , 5 ].
Having grown up with Internet-based communication as part of their daily social interactions, YMSM are more likely than older MSM [ 6 , 7 ] to use this technology to learn about their sexuality and to meet new partners [ 8 , 9 ], whether as a viable alternative to bars and clubs if underage or as a supplement to their offline socialization[ 10 ]. In contrast with face-to-face exchanges, the instant communication facilitated by the online environment may promote an increased expression of inhibited desires and a heightened sense of trust and intimacy [ 16 - 18 ].
Across numerous studies exploring the role of online communication in HIV transmission, researchers have noted that MSM who use the Internet to meet partners report higher levels of sexual risk behaviors e. This oversight is particularly troubling as MSM may have other motivations e. Researchers have noted that MSM pursuing or participating in romantic relationships may be more likely to forego their vigilance and concerns about potential infection or unwanted transmission in order to express intimacy, love and trust [ 29 - 31 ].
This dynamic may be particularly relevant to online dating because Internet-based communications may expedite perceptions of intimacy and security prior to meeting a partner in a face-to-face encounter [ 17 , 18 , 32 ]. Conversely, it is equally plausible that pursuing romantic partners could reduce risk by promoting protective behaviors [ 35 ]. Since individuals attempt to make the best impression when pursuing romantic partners online [ 36 , 37 ], YMSM may engage in more socially desirable behaviors e.
Furthermore, dating online may reduce the likelihood of YMSM meeting partners in venues e. In some instances, a casual partner may become a romantic interest or vice versa. Building on the previous literature, we proposed three objectives for this study. Finally, we examined whether the combined frequency with which YMSM sought out romantic and casual partners was associated with their number of partners based on four partner-seeking categories.
