Mobile dating applications and high-risk sexual behaviours among university students: Final UREAP project

Background: In today’s world, technology has entered every aspect of our lives, including the dating world. Gone are the days of the traditional dating system where one would meet their significant other in person. Instead traditional dating is being replaced with mobile dating applications. There are many mobile dating applications available for free such as Tinder and Bumble making it very popular among university students; however, studies have shown that students who use dating applications tend to take part in risky sexual behaviours (Sawyer, Smith, & Benotsch, 2017). This literature review looks at university students use of mobile dating applications and their risky sexual behaviours. Aim:This paper discusses risky sexual behaviour among university students who use mobile dating applications. The purpose of this literature review is to find strategies that promote risk-prevention and sexual wellness programs on university campuses. Results:Dating app users are at higher risk for participating in risky sexual behaviour such as inconsistent condom use, multiple sexual partners, and sexting. Alcohol and cannabis use was found to be consumed at higher rate sin dating app users, compared to non-users. There was a lack of information on specific risk-prevention programs to incorporate on university campuses. Conclusions: Dating applications are popular among university students. From the literature it was recommended that universities in corporate resources regarding dating application risk preventions and sexual wellness to their students; however, specific information was lacking and therefore more research is needed on risk-prevention programs