Dating can be influenced by numerous factors. The emergence of dating app weariness, unreciprocated affection, and a self-centered dating culture are merely a few illustrations. Introducing a sexually transmitted infection (STI) into the equation can further complicate matters, even though one million individuals acquire an STI daily and the majority are treatable. Merely 28 percent of those with an STI feel at ease disclosing their situation to a partner, yet communication is essential for health and stigma reduction. The dating app WAX strives to normalize STI status sharing by incorporating a feature for sharing test results, collaborating with Sexual Health London to enable users to upload verified results directly within the app. This guarantees trust and security, allowing users to manage their data while privately sharing it with matches. Nevertheless, the stigma surrounding sexual health persists, and the online environment is not consistently supportive.

Misunderstandings about STIs complicate dating for those affected, as many hold outdated beliefs linking STIs to untrustworthiness or carelessness. A Superdrug survey indicated that 91 percent of sexually active adults in the UK think an STI diagnosis would adversely affect their relationships and self-esteem. Sex educator Laura Clarke acknowledges the potential of STI integration in dating apps but cautions about safety concerns. Disclosing STI status may result in rejection or ghosting, necessitating a cultural shift to normalize frequent testing and honest discussions.

Certain STIs are more stigmatized than others. Luca, a 26-year-old, has experienced multiple treatable STIs and finds it easier to talk about them in the gay community, where routine check-ups are more accepted. However, he feels uncertain about sharing an HIV-positive status on dating apps due to possible harshness. Chloe, a 32-year-old living with HIV, values WAX’s feature but is reluctant to use it because of the stigma surrounding HIV. She highlights the importance of educating partners on HIV prevention strategies such as PEP and PrEP.

There is a need for further efforts to diminish the stigma around STIs and inform individuals about their prevalence. Jamie, a 29-year-old with Hepatitis B, believes that being transparent about his status on dating apps helps weed out unsympathetic individuals. Leanne Yau, a sex educator, emphasizes the necessity of fostering a safe environment for STI disclosure while providing education alongside tools like WAX’s feature. Clarke underscores the significance of context in disclosure and warns about privacy issues and the possible misuse of STI information.

Incorporating sexual health data into dating apps challenges whether society can regard STI status as merely another aspect of health. Common, treatable STIs should be viewed as inconvenient rather than shameful, akin to the common cold. WAX’s feature promotes sexual transparency and encourages contemplation on where transparency concludes and digital exposure starts. While stigma lingers, tools like this may facilitate a shift in perceptions of STI status from a deal-breaker to a minor concern.