This report presents initial findings from the first survey of Covid Sex Lives project. Public health
measures to mitigate the spread of coronavirus are translated into media messaging by
organisations that target the health of different groups. This research studies the experiences of
Men who have Sex with Men (MSM), during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. Our
focus is on uses of dating and hook up apps, sexual activity and how and how this has changed
during the pandemic as restrictions such as social distancing and lockdowns have been introduced.
We are conducting this research with a view to help improve policy and practice around MSM
sexual wellbeing and public health messaging, shed light on what to look for where MSM are
concerned, and provide learning about COVID public health messaging that will benefit MSM and
the general population. The research is a collaboration between the University of Salford, Kings
College London, Birmingham City University and Newcastle University and is funded by UKRI. You
can find out more here: https://hub.salford.ac.uk/health-and-society-research/public-healthmessaging-
during-the-covid-pandemic-dating-app-usage-and-sexual-wellbeing-among-menwho-
have-sex-with-men