But it's also way too overwhelming to tell anyone about it. TURBAN: They've reached a breaking point that the situation with this adult sexually exploiting them is overwhelming.
MCKIM: Jack Turban specializes in adolescent LGBTQ psychiatry at the Stanford University School of Medicine. JACK TURBAN: We see those kids in the emergency room in a mental health crisis. But researchers say the number of male victims is vastly underreported, in part because boys are less likely to disclose their abuse. Grindr is one of many online sites where minors can be stalked. A Grindr spokesperson said the company takes seriously its responsibilities to prevent misuse and identify misconduct.
The list includes police officers, priests and teachers. That's according to an investigation by the GBH News Center for Investigative Reporting. More than 100 men across the United States have faced charges since 2015 related to sexually assaulting or attempting to meet minors for sex on Grindr. MCKIM: But sometimes they meet adult men who are dangerous, leading to sexual exploitation, assault and trafficking. KATHRYN MACAPAGAL: Part of the reason why I think this happens is that there aren't a lot of spaces for LGBT teens online to make friends. 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.
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