By Christopher T. Dietzel

This dissertation highlighted and addressed the nature and extent of sexual violence against men who have sex with men (MSM) that is facilitated through their use of dating apps. The dissertation includes three manuscripts, each of which details a unique study. The first study investigated MSM dating app users’ conceptualizations and negotiations of sexual consent. Findings revealed that MSM identify consent frameworks but do not always apply those frameworks, or apply their interpretations of those frameworks, to their online and in-person sexual interactions with other MSM dating users. The second study examined MSM dating app users’ experiences of sending and receiving unsolicited dick pics. Findings uncovered a diversity in MSM’s experiences that are reflected along three “dimensions”: wanted/unwanted, consensual/non-consensual, and typical/atypical. Findings also revealed seven factors that impact MSM’s experiences of sending and receiving unsolicited dick pics. The third study investigated manifestation of rape culture that are facilitated through MSM’s use of dating apps. Findings showed that unwanted sexual messages and images are common manifestations of rape culture on dating apps. Findings also demonstrated that rape culture extends from online interactions to in-person interactions. Several MSM disclosed sexual violence they experienced through their use of dating apps, and one admitted to perpetrating sexual violence. This dissertation reveals the ways in which MSM experience and perpetrate sexual violence through their use of dating apps, as well as the ways in which dating apps facilitate sexual violence. Recommendations for education, community work, law and policy, and dating app software development are offered, along with limitations and suggestions for future research

Montreal: McGill University, 2021. 264p.