Social networks have expanded exponentially throughout the world. Currently, a large part of our social activity is developed through them and it is already difficult to conceive the world without their presence. The search for couples is among the social activities that are most often performed in them, especially in the group of men who have sex with other men (MSM) [1]. Numerous mobile applications (Apps) such as Grindr use the geolocation of the mobile phone, facilitating the meeting between people.

The use of this type of Apps has been associated in several studies to higher risk practices, such as the non-use of condoms, increase in the number of sexual partners and high consumption of drugs for sex [2]. On the other hand, it has also been found that they are an opportunity to develop interventions related to the promotion and prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Between December 2015 and March 2016, a pilot study was carried out in the city of Barcelona, Spain [3]. The purpose of the cited work was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the offer of rapid tests of HIV and other STIs through Apps designed to facilitate sexual and social encounters. The results showed a high response rate and acceptability, as well as a high risk profile for the acquisition of STIs among the participants.

This experience is in addition to other demonstrations that suggest the usefulness of social networks to reach at-risk populations and also poses future challenges in the development of prevention interventions and promotion of sexual health in certain groups.

The success of the intervention can be due to several factors that interact with each other. For example, the advantage of using platforms already created and that bring together the target population. In the city of Barcelona, where the pilot intervention was carried out, 130 thousand active users are estimated in only one of the Apps used (data provided by Grindr).

Another important factor is the ability of direct interaction with the user. By creating a profile in the Apps and sending messages directly to users, we offer the opportunity to “chat” with them and not only offer the intervention, but also give them the opportunity to make questions about sexual health issues, drug use, vaccinations and mental health.

1.       Grov C, Breslow AS, Newcomb ME, Rosenberger JG, Bauermeister JA (2014) Gay and bisexual men’s use of the Internet: Research from the 1990s through 2013. J Sex Res 51: 390-409.

2.       Rice E, Holloway I, Winetrobe H, Rhoades H, Barman-Adhikari A, et al. (2012) Sex risk among young men who have sex with men who use Grindr, a smartphone geosocial networking application. J AIDS Clin Res S4: 005.

3.       Alarcón Gutiérrez M, Fernández Quevedo M, Martín Valle S, Jacques-Aviñó C, Díez David E, et al. (2018) Acceptability and effectiveness of using mobile applications to promote HIV and other STI testing among men who have sex with men in Barcelona, Spain. Sex Transm Infect 94: 443-448.

4.       Gökengin D, Geretti AM, Begovac J, Palfreeman A, Stevanovic M, et al. (2014) 2014 European Guideline on HIV testing. Int J STD AIDS 25: 695-704.

5.       The EMIS Network (2013) EMIS 2010: The European men who have sex with men. Internet Survey. Stockholm.