#SafeSex

A growing body of research and advocacy is bringing overdue attention to men’s sexual health, highlighting the urgent need to address stigma, accessibility, and education not just in Western societies but across Thailand and the broader Asia-Pacific region. An article published in The Michigan Daily argues that framing reproductive and sexual health primarily as a “women’s issue” has left men out of vital conversations around safety, education, and disease prevention—contributing to a quiet crisis with repercussions for personal and public health alike (Michigan Daily).

A new research report has found that students who use dating apps are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, raising concerns among educators and health professionals about a hidden danger in the digital age of romance. The study, highlighted by Frontiers in November 2024, adds fresh urgency to Thailand’s ongoing efforts to improve sexual health education and digital literacy among young people Frontiers in Public Health.

With dating apps becoming an integral part of modern student social life, especially in university settings across Thailand and globally, this news holds significant implications. Thai students are among the world’s most digitally connected, with Gen Z leading trends in smartphone and app usage. Yet, with greater access to platforms that facilitate rapid connections often come greater health risks, including unprotected sex, multiple partners, and a higher likelihood of encountering sexually transmitted infections (STIs). According to the new research, these risks are statistically higher among students active on dating apps.