Grindr was by far the most popular, says lead researcher Kathryn Macapagal.
MCKIM: A 2018 Northwestern University study found more than half of sexually active gay and bisexual adolescent boys found sexual partners on Grindr and other apps. That's what Chavez did.ĬHAVEZ: I lied about my age. But like many apps meant for adults, Grindr doesn't verify identities, and minors can get around the rules. It's supposed to be restricted to those 18 and older. MCKIM: Grindr calls itself the world's largest social networking app for gay, bi, trans and queer people. MCKIM: He couldn't talk to his family about his sexuality.ĬHAVEZ: In my house, if you said the word gay, it was like cancer. What do gay men eat? What do gay men like? How is it, like, growing up gay? But they were just like to know, like, about gay men. GERMAN CHAVEZ: My intentions were so pure and holy. JENIFER MCKIM, BYLINE: German Chavez sat in a Boston park recently describing why he downloaded the dating app Grindr when he was 13. It's also used by underage boys, which can put them at risk of sexual exploitation and trafficking. The dating app Grindr is a popular site for men seeking other men.
