STD rates could be linked to rise in online dating

Now, with the easy access of smart phones, popularized dating websites are making it even more convenient to connect with strangers immediately – presumably to make the hook-up process even easier. (AP Photo/File)

As internet dating increases, so are sexually transmitted diseases and infections. It’s a correlation that meet-ups aren’t to find lifelong mates, but to find anonymous, often unsafe, sex.

Doctors in Canada have noticed a rise in STDs, namely syphilis, a totally preventable and fortunately curable disease. In the past 10 years the chances of getting it have risen 10-fold, according to The National Post. Chlamydia has also been on the rise.

In the U.S., the Center for Disease Control found that in 2004, 43 percent of women surveyed had had sex with someone they met online and had a higher rate of sexually transmitted infections.

As the rates for STDs increase, so do the worth of internet dating websites. The National Post says that in North America, the online dating industry from a $40 million industry in 2000, to a business making $1.5 billion in 2012.

Now, with the easy access of smart phones, popularized dating websites are making it even more convenient to connect with strangers immediately – presumably to make the hook-up process even easier.

OkCupid, which has also used it’s customer’s information to research the single demographic, offers a phone app that lets you know who is in your area at any given time, and then send them a message asking them if they would like to meet up.

While the online dating industry hasn’t shown signs of slowing, what’s the solution to the increase in preventable sexually transmitted diseases? Health Departmens are working with dating websites to encourage safe sex and STD tests.