STAT – The rise of dating apps has led to more casual relationships, which means users feel less obliged to disclose sexually transmissible infections (STIs) to one another. Gonorrhea infections are up 45% and syphilis is up 52% since 2016. Congenital syphilis cases are up 235% since 2016. Grindr is alerting all users about new infectious disease outbreaks, including meningitis, hepatitis A, and monkeypox. Dating apps could incorporate the following approaches to improve the detection, treatment, and prevention of STIs:
Remind users to get regular testing for STIs and link them to local resources.
Provide an option to send anonymous notifications of positive STI test results to partners on the platform.
Confidentially and digitally transmit exposure and testing data to public health departments.
