subject: Birds Of A Feather Flock Together: Facebook Can Predict Spread Of Stis [print this page] You have heard the phrase, "Birds of a feather flock together." Well Facebook has just given the phrase new meaning. According to Salon researchers, the social network can tell us who is dating who and predict who has an STI (sexually transmitted infection). Yep, that is right, researchers are using Facebook as a tool to prevent the spread of STIs.
Salon researchers say that a person's sexual partners and circle of friends are strong predictors of STI risk. Facebook and other social networks show these friends and social circles. People in the same social circle are having unprotected sex with the same people, engaging in the same risky behaviors. So rather than targeting at-risk demographics, we should target social circles, or known clusters of infection instead. Researchers are seeing a trend. When sexual partners of patients newly diagnosed with HIV came in for testing, 20 percent turned up HIV-positive. The theory that people in same social circle often sleep with the same people, and might engage in similar risk-related behavior, appears to have some validity.
Imagine what could happen if more people listed on their Facebook page they have been tested for STDs as a part of their social status. How many people could we prevent from getting STDs like chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhea, HIV/AIDS, HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and syphilis? Imagine how the stigma associated with STDs would be dramatically reduced. April is STD Awareness month and MTV, the Kaiser Family Foundation and Planned Parenthood are doing their part to prevent the spread of STDs. These three organizations have formed a joint cooperative to raise STD awareness through the “Get Yourself Tested” campaign.
Many STDs are asymptomatic, meaning the show no signs or symptoms, which is why STDs are so easily spread and why STD testing is so important. If left untreated, STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause infertility; HPV can cause anal and cervical cancers and syphilis can cause damage to the brain, heart and other organs. There still is no cure for genital herpes or HIV/AIDS. Medicine can only treat any outbreaks or symptoms.
You can do your part. Talk to your friends on Facebook about practicing safe sex and getting tested for STDs regularly. Using condoms correctly and consistently is the best way to avoid getting an STD besides abstinence. Salon researchers hope to streamline the STD testing process with mailing kits to patients to collect their own swabs for testing. Many sexually active patients are already taking advantage of confidential online STD testing as a means to avoid an embarrassing doctor's office visit. Same day STD testing allows patients to get their results within 24-72 hours so they can begin their treatment right away.
Whether you have one or multiple partners, regular STD testing is the only way you will know if you have an STD or not. Besides practicing safe sex by using a condom, STD testing is the best way to protect your sexual health and further prevent the spread of STDs.
