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Network Evolution of a Large Online MSM Dating Community: 2005–2018

Author

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  • Chuchu Liu

    (College of Systems Engineering, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China)

  • Xin Lu

    (College of Systems Engineering, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China
    School of Software Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Information Technology, Shenzhen 518172, China
    School of Business, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China)

Abstract

Due to multiple sexual partners and low rates of condom use, the HIV infection rate among MSM (men who have sex with men) is much higher than that of the general population. In order to analyze the characteristics of online activities of MSM, and to understand the evolution of their social networks, in this study we collect a comprehensive dataset, covering the period from January 2005 to June 2018, from the largest Chinese online community, Baidu Tieba. We build an online dating network for MSM-related individuals in the gay-bar community, and analyze the network from static and dynamic aspects. It is found that there is a strong homophily regarding the cities where users reside when developing interactions with others, and that most network measurements tend to be stable at the later stages of evolution, while the size of the largest community fluctuates. This is an indication that the network is formed of rapidly flexible interactions which changes quickly. In comparison with studies on heterosexual networks, we find that the MSM dating network shows differences in many aspects, such as the positive degree-degree correlation and high clustering coefficient, suggesting different thinking and measures should be taken in the policy making of public health management towards the MSM population.

Suggested Citation

  • Chuchu Liu & Xin Lu, 2019. "Network Evolution of a Large Online MSM Dating Community: 2005–2018," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-17, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:22:p:4322-:d:284172
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Xin Lu & Linus Bengtsson & Tom Britton & Martin Camitz & Beom Jun Kim & Anna Thorson & Fredrik Liljeros, 2012. "The sensitivity of respondent‐driven sampling," Journal of the Royal Statistical Society Series A, Royal Statistical Society, vol. 175(1), pages 191-216, January.
    2. Michael Bailey & Rachel Cao & Theresa Kuchler & Johannes Stroebel & Arlene Wong, 2018. "Social Connectedness: Measurement, Determinants, and Effects," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 32(3), pages 259-280, Summer.
    3. Ge Huang & Mengsi Cai & Xin Lu, 2019. "Inferring Opinions and Behavioral Characteristics of Gay Men with Large Scale Multilingual Text from Blued," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-21, September.
    4. Duncan J. Watts & Steven H. Strogatz, 1998. "Collective dynamics of ‘small-world’ networks," Nature, Nature, vol. 393(6684), pages 440-442, June.
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