With an increase in social media applications, college students have a way of connecting with others more efficiently and with greater frequency than ever. The present study identified whether amount of time spent on Facebook, currently the most popular social networking application, was related to sexual behavior proxies of sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk (i.e. sex without a condom, multiple concurrent sex partners, and pursuing Bhookups^). The hypotheses tested whether Facebook usage would be associated with having sex without a condom, having concurrent sex partners, and pursuing Bhookups^on Facebook. Gender was tested as a moderator in these relationships as well, given the gender differences in sexual behaviors and online dating behavior. Data were gathered from 236 African American college-aged students. Facebook usage of 3 or more daily hours was associated with having sex without a condom and using Facebook to pursue hookups. In addition, females who spent 3 or more hours on Facebook were less likely to have sex without a condom, but more likely to have concurrent sex partners than men whose usage was 3 or more hours daily. Men who spent 3 or more hours on Facebook were more likely to pursue Bhookups^via Facebook than women whose usage was 3 or more hours daily. This study provides a starting point to further explore how social media consumption can be used to perpetuate or reduce STI risk-related sexual behavior among a vulnerable population.

No abstract

The abundance of social networking platforms has increased the frequency and the availability for which individuals communicate with one another. The feasibility and accessibility to go online to find sexual partners pose opportunity for contracting sexually transmitted infections (STI) in the absence of safe sexual practices. Low condom use has been reported among young adults who seek sexual partners online. African American young adults have some of the highest rates of infection for certain STIs. In order to mitigate the incidence and prevalence of STIs in at-risk populations, sexually active young adults must use condoms consistently and correctly during sexual activities. The present study sought to uncover the heterogeneity within African American young adults regarding their online networking utilization, STI knowledge, and sexual risk behavior. African American young adults (N = 236), ages 18 -23, completed private online survey administration. Using latent class analysis, three classes were identified: Social Network Communicators (43%; N = 101), Social Networking Daters (36%; N = 83), and Media Sharers (21%; N = 52). Social Networking Daters exhibited the highest probability of using online dating sites daily, low STI knowledge, and a zero probability of consistent condom use. All three groups exhibited relatively low STI knowledge. Furthermore, having a history of STI increased the likelihood of being classified into the Social Networking Daters class relative to the other classes. Findings highlight the need to capitalize upon online platforms for African American young adults who utilize online dating sites and other online environments.