Using Crowdsourcing to Develop a Peer-Led Intervention for Safer Dating App Use: Pilot Study

Abstract

Background Smartphone-based dating apps are rapidly transforming how people seek potential sexual and romantic partners. However, they can also increase the risk of unsafe sexual behaviors, harassment, and infringement of personal privacy. Current research on interventions for safer dating app use remains insufficient. Objective The goal of this study was to describe the development of an intervention for safer dating app usage using crowdsourcing and peer-led approaches. Methods This paper describes the development of an intervention program designed to promote safer dating app use among college students. Crowdsourcing and peer-led approaches were adopted during key stages of the development process. Focus group discussions were held to assess the experience and needs of dating app users. A crowdsourcing contest then solicited ideas for performance objectives for the intervention. These objectives were grouped to further identify practical strategies. A one-day intensive workshop was subsequently held with peer mentors to brainstorm ideas for the production of creative interventional materials. The intervention programs were produced and tested in a pilot study. The app’s effectiveness will be evaluated in a cluster randomized controlled trial. Results The intervention program consists of a risk assessment tool, a first-person scenario game, and four short videos. The risk assessment tool, comprised of 14 questions, will give the participant a score to determine their level of risk of adverse events when using dating apps. The scenario game is a first-person simulation game where the players are presented with choices when faced with different scenarios. The short videos each last 2-4 minutes, with points of discussion aimed at addressing the risks of using dating apps. The programs were piloted and were found to be relatable and helpful when further modifications were made. Conclusions Potential challenges identified during the development process included data management and analysis, sustaining peer mentors’ interests and participation, and balancing between providing more information and perpetuating social stigma around dating app use. By integrating new approaches, such as crowdsourcing and the peer-led approach, in developing an intervention for safer dating app use, our development process provides a viable model for developing future interventions to address the risks associated with dating app use.

Geosocial Networking Dating App Usage and Risky Sexual Behavior in Young Adults Attending a Music Festival: Cross-sectional Questionnaire Study

“…The fact that Tinder has released coronavirus safety messages in March 2020 demonstrates their ability and willingness to use health promotion messages [31]. In addition, intervention research for safer dating app use has also emerged [34]. Finally, there is evidence that mobile phone interventions can be successful in delivering safe-sex messages [35,36] and strengthens the argument that safe-sex messaging could appear more prominently within dating apps.…”

Effectiveness of a Peer-Led Web-Based Intervention to Improve General Self-Efficacy in Using Dating Apps Among Young Adults: Randomized Clustered Trial

“…The final intervention involved four (2-4 min) short videos, an interactive scenario game, and a risk assessment tool ( Multimedia Appendix 1 , Multimedia Appendix 2 , Multimedia Appendix 3 , and Multimedia Appendix 4 ). The videos aimed to address the risks and benefits of using dating apps and encouraged the viewers to reflect on their perception of dating apps [ 9 ]. The first video illustrated similarities between meeting people on dating apps and in real life, providing examples of being misled by profile characteristics and monetary scams.…”

“…The scenario game depicted in Figure 1 is a first-person simulation game where the participant is presented with multiple choices when faced with real-life scenarios [ 9 ]. The game has been designed with various algorithms that result in both positive and adverse outcomes.…”

“…In the case of dating apps, the lack of prescreening and instilling essential knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among users could cause emerging concerns beyond public health. In our previous study, we found that dating app users could experience other nonhealth-related concerns, such as financial scams and privacy intrusion [ 9 ]. As sex education is not compulsory in Hong Kong schools but is provided on an ad hoc basis or as an extracurricular activity [ 10 ], the lack of training and awareness regarding dating app use could further expose these young people to the aforementioned risks.…”

“…The synthesized results were used to develop the content and modes of delivery of the intervention in a design workshop by the peer volunteers from StickyRiceLove . Full details of the intervention development are published elsewhere [ 9 ].…”