Factors associated with dating app use for sexual "hookups" in the United States: insights from the National Survey of Family Growth.

This article examines sociodemographic factors associated with the use of dating applications for sexual hookups in the United States, based on data from the 2017–2019 National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG). Among approximately 143 million Americans surveyed, about 6.7% reported using dating apps to meet sexual partners, with higher usage linked to male sex, White race, prior sexual experience, substance and alcohol use, history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and same-sex or bisexual attraction. Conversely, lower usage was observed among Catholics, Protestants, married or widowed individuals, and older respondents. Notably, dating app use was not associated with increased overall sexual frequency. These findings highlight important considerations for public health interventions targeting sexual health and risk behaviors within diverse populations.