Videoconferencing platforms for sexualised drug use among men who have sex with men: a scoping review

This scoping review aimed to identify and synthesise the extant literature regarding the use of videoconferencing platforms by gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men to participate in sexualised drug use (SDU). Initial comprehensive database searches were conducted in September 2023 (and updated in November 2024). Backwards and forward citation chasing, journal hand searching, and contact with key opinion leaders supplemented database searches. Results and data extraction were completed in duplicate, and data synthesised narratively. Four records were included in the final synthesis. Relevant data were predominantly qualitative, and suggested that videoconferencing platform-facilitated SDU is an established, yet understudied, facet of men who have sex with men hook-up culture, conferring community connection to participants and likely diminished risk of some harms associated with classically understood SDU (e.g. communicable disease acquisition). The paucity of literature suggests videoconferencing platform-facilitated SDU is a yet understudied phenomenon of both subcultural and public health significance that may allow participants to mitigate some of the risks associated with SDU while still enjoying the community connection that motivates participation.