Mr. Right and Mr. Right Now: romantic and casual partner-seeking online among young men who have sex with men

AIDS Behav. 2011 Feb;15(2):261-72. doi: 10.1007/s10461-010-9834-5.

Abstract

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). This omission is most notable across studies examining YMSM's partner-seeking behaviors online. In this study, we examined the relationship between sexual behaviors and online partner-seeking behaviors for casual and romantic partners in a sample of YMSM (N = 431; M = 21.49 years old, SD = 1.94) who reported using the Internet to meet other men. Using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), we found YMSM in the High Romantic/High Casual group had more unprotected partners than YMSM in other categories. YMSM in the High Romantic/Low Casual group had fewer unprotected partners than the High Romantic/High Casual group. We discuss the implications of our findings and conclude that there is a need to further examine romantic partner-seeking among YMSM.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • Homosexuality, Male / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Internet*
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Love*
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Risk-Taking
  • Sexual Partners*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult