“Get High With a Conscience”: Information and Communication Technologies and Sexualized Drug Use Among Gay Men in Mexico

Abstract

The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has gained relevance since they are a tool for socialization around substance use and sex through the formation of social networks of gay men (GM). This study investigated how and why substance use is related to the use of ICT in GM. Moreover, what social and cultural dynamics characterize the use of ICTs concerning sexualized drug use in Mexican GM? In May 2022, focus groups were held in which 19 GM from Mexico participated. Different types of ICTs used by GM were identified as playing a role in online interactions around substance use and chemsex. It was found that specific platforms, such as mobile geolocation applications, favored access to sexual practices and drugs. In addition, online sexual subcultures destigmatized substance use and non-normative sexual practices and reinforced social ties, offering caring information about sexualized drug use practices among GM. The findings contribute to understanding the health of GM from a contemporary digital context.