Hmmm. We’re not sure how we feel about this.
Rumor has it, Grindr may soon be adding a new feature that allows users to filter guys by their reported HIV status.
Related: Doctor Explains Why You’re Addicted To Grindr
The discovery was first reported by David Myles, a Ph.D candidate at the University of Montreal. He received an unusual survey when he logged onto Grindr recently. He took a screenshot of it then posted it to an online forum for academics researching hookup apps:
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Blogger Josh Robbins claims he received the same survey when he logged onto Grindr last week as well.
The ten question survey asks users about their HIV status, whether they’d list it online and how they felt about an HIV-status filer on Grindr. It also asks if they list their status as positive but undetectable, as well as what led them to choose that option.
Related: These Awkward #GrindrFails All But Guarantee A Night Alone
Understandably, not everyone is pleased by this.
Daniel Reeders of Bad Blood calls the idea of an HIV filter “digital quarantine” and “an automatic block function” that will “set the scene for even more stigmatizing.” And Dan Avery at New Now Next wonders if it creates a “dangerous divide” among gay men. Not to mention, he writes, “the filter would be based on the honor system, presumably, so anyone who doesn’t want to be stigmatized as positive could simply lie about their status.”
What do you think of an HIV status filter on Grindr? Vote in our poll below…
Related: Bottom Shame With A Side Of “No Asian”: A Message For All You Racist Grindr Users Out There
Prinny
Shitstorm in the making.
Masc Pride
This may be new to Grindr, but you can already filter by a variety of options on a4a and most other gay sites. If you’re only interested in smooth, versatile, non-smoker, HIV negative Leos with 32″ waists, you can search your city for just that. I don’t see a problem. Isn’t it better to filter out those who aren’t compatible online rather than waste a whole bunch of time IRL on someone who’s ultimately not a match?
greenchemical
Well gays already divide us by our race on that app so whats wrong with doing your status. Oh wait is is because it might affect some whites ?
Stache
I hope everyone lies too. Oh that’s right they already do.
Stache
@greenchemical: and non whites also divide on allot of other things too.
Brian
HIV is very hard to catch. It’s not like the flu virus, for instance.
I’d be more worried about syphilis and gonorrhea. They are much easier to catch. I think men have become very complacent about the raft of VD’s that are out there.
HIV has made us complacent about the other VD’s.
Would I want to meet somebody with syphilis? No, I wouldn’t.
Franklin
@Stache: He’s does have a point.
QJ201
Grindr to add feature in 2016 available on hook up websites since the last millennium and the Internet is in full faux rage
Paco
@greenchemical: Yeah, it is just another “preference” like we have been told about every thing else. But I’m sure there will be a “but this is different” excuse show up as outrage over this.
Dave Downunder
Having it as an option is superfluous anyway because so many guys either lie about or don’t know their own HIV status. Are you really going to put the fate of your own health in the hands of some stranger and rely on their honesty?
DistingueTraces
This already exists on Scruff, with no controversy that I’m aware of.
It’s totally useless for avoiding contact with positive men, who often don’t know they’re positive and can also simply lie.
It’s only real function is for out positive men who prefer to date each other.
I don’t see the problem.
Fit-N-Lean
Whether its an new preference option or and existing app (garbage in – garbage out when it comes to self-identifying data). Protect yourself at all times – don’t rely on a person’s word or new app.
ted72
@greenchemical: I’m right there with you on your comment!
SportGuy
@greenchemical: Exactly!!
ErikO
@Dave Downunder: Exactly.
seaguy
Grindr will just be catching up to other sites that have HIV filters, I mean whats the big deal you can filter everything else. Of course only an idiot would take someone for their word when it comes to their HIV status when meeting them on Grindr. Half the whores on there probably say HIV- but have never been tested and bareback.
Chris
This is going to be sold as purely a business decision. If Grindr’s market wants it, then Grindr will give them this option.
Blackceo
@greenchemical:
:insert Kermit sipping tea:
UltimateSin
Sure, why not? They have a hue filter, so why not in hiv-1? It’s all about preference right? What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.
Dave084
Grindr already has a poz “tribe” where those who are poz or poz friendly can choose to identify themselves and seek out others.
Ksb1978
@Masc Pride: I wasn’t aware HIV is a personality trait.