Dating or hook-up apps
Many people find themselves spending more time than they would like on hook-up apps. There can be a strong relationship between the apps and drug use. Chems, and people using them, are very accessible on apps which can make not using them difficult for someone who is trying to avoid chemsex.
Share this article
Tips for healthier app use
- Set up your profile to clearly state what you are, and what you are not looking for.
- When chatting, clearly communicate your boundaries and expectations. It’s good to let someone know what you're into.
- Get to know a bit about each other before you meet - this can help establish trust and ensure that both parties feel comfortable.
- Bring up the issue of protecting each other’s sexual health. You might want to discuss PrEP, HIV treatment, condoms and when each other last tested. It's better to have these conversations before you meet.
- If using chems, be clear about who is supplying these and how they’re being taken. For example, will injecting (slamming) be involved and are you both comfortable with that. Also if G is involved, do they have soft drinks to mix it with and a way to measure doses?
- Beware of feeling pressured into doing something you’re not comfortable with. Apps can sometimes create power imbalances if one person has more experience or is more dominant.
- Remember that it’s OK to change your mind. Consent can be withdrawn at any time. Agreeing to meet up with someone does not mean you are agreeing to everything the other person wants.
- After chemsex, consider logging off or deleting your profile. This can help avoid the temptation of continuing when you need to stop.