Dating app Tinder launches Super Like feature. (Photo : Reuters)

Rhode Island Department of Health (Health) found out that rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) like HIV and syphilis have increased significantly from 2013 to 2014, blaming the increase on number of people using social media and popular hookup apps such as Grindr and Tinder.



The recent study discovered that New Jersey has shown a notable surge of STD cases. Officials even used the word “epidemic” in describing the outrage increase of the cases.




Health officials recorded 79 percent increased in syphilis cases from 2013 to 2014; there is a 30 percent increased for Gonorrhoea cases in the same time frame; and HIV cases went up to 33 percent, according to Yahoo Canada.



The rapid increase of HIV and syphilis cases were higher and faster among gay, bisexual and other men who have sexual contact with men (MSM) compared to other social groups, Medical News Today reported.



Health report also discovered that STD infections have the significant impact on young adult social groups, African-American, and Hispanic. The report states that apart from New Jersey and Rhode Island, New York has an increased in STD cases in 2014.



Dr. Jennifer Wu, OBGYN from the Lenox-Hill Hospital, stated that previous one night stands were among people who have met in bars, but now, people have an access to social media that gives them more choices and one-night stands, exposing themselves more to STDs.



From 1980s to 1990s, there were decreased cases of STD transmission because of the proper implementation of public health measures like routine testing of pregnant women for HIV and needle exchange programs for drug users.



Researchers believe that better access to healthcare leads to discovery of people if they are affected with STD.

