Tinder & Other Hookup Apps Blamed for Increasing Syphilis, Gonorrhea & More STD's in Rhode Island

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Popular hookup apps on mobile phone and social media are being blamed for the increasing rate of sexually transmitted diseases in Rhode Island.

Syphilis, HIV and gonorrhea infection have the most prominent number of new cases in Rhode Island. The state's health department partly blamed the increasing rates of the diseases to hookup apps and social media, reports International Business Times.

From 2013 to 2014, cases of syphilis soared to 79 percent, gonorrhea increased to 30 percent and HIV cases increased to almost 33 percent. The increment in the cases of the aforementioned STD infections is mostly seen in men who have sexual intercourse with other men, especially Hispanics and African-Americans.

This isn't the first incidence for mobile apps and social media to be linked to STD infections. The Grindr app caused a syphilis outbreak among men in New Zealand in 2012, The Press has learned.

Meanwhile, Tinder caused a surge of gonorrhea cases in England by 15 percent, as per Daily Mail.

The Rhode Island Government has since released a statement regarding the trend.

"These data send a clear signal that despite the progress we have made in reducing STDs and HIV over the years, there is more work to do," said Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, HEALTH's Director Designee.

"We are fortunate in Rhode Island to have great partnerships among state agencies, community-based organizations, and healthcare providers to continue to educate, test, and treat for sexually transmitted diseases. This trend reminds us that we cannot become complacent," added Alexander-Scott.

The alarming increase in STD infection in Rhode Island follows the country's trend. The increase is attributed to the casual interaction of hookup app users who "arrange casual and often anonymous sexual encounters," and those "having sex without a condom, having multiple sex partners, and having sex while under the influence of drugs or alcohol."

According to Tech Times, the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) reinstated its aim to promote sex and STD education in high schools to address the influx of new STD cases.

"These new data underscore the importance of encouraging young people to begin talking to a doctor, nurse, or health educator about sexual health before becoming sexually active and especially after becoming sexually active," Rosemary Reilly-Chammat, HIV/AIDS Specialist said.

"It's never too early to learn about making HIV and STD testing part of routine healthcare. Doctors and nurses are trained to discuss sensitive topics like sex, and conversations with them are confidential. Health educators at schools or community health centers are great resources too,"Reilly-Chammat added.