Is Facebook spreading syphilis in Britain?

BANGALORE, INDIA: What has Facebook to do with the spread of syphilis in Britain? The question itself may sound bizarre. But according to Prof Peter Kelly, director of public health in Teesside, there is a link between social networking sites and the rise in the cases, especially among young women.

The virus has increased fourfold in Sunderland, Durham and Teesside, the areas of Britain where Facebook is most popular, because it has given people a new way to meet multiple partners for casual sexual encounters, a Telegraph report quoted Prof. Kelly as saying.

“Social networking sites are making it easier for people to meet up for casual sex. There has been a fourfold increase in the number of syphilis cases detected, with more young women being affected,” he told the newspaper.

Kelly said syphilis is “a devastating disease” and Facebook users should take precautions.

Of late there have been many studies pertaining to Internet addiction and human behavior.

In a recent study, RMIT information technology lecturer John Lenarcic had said that many Australians show signs of obsessive-compulsive behavior when it comes to Internet use: frequently checking email, spending long periods online and accessing the Internet even when away from computers.

Of every 10 Australians, three have a Facebook profile, more than two use Twitter and one logs on to MySpace.

Queensland University of Technology business senior lecturer Dr Neville Meyers even warned that "you can Facebook yourself to utter fatigue."

However, this is for the first time that someone has linked sexually transmitted diseases with social networking.

In response to the comment, a Facebook spokesman has reportedly warned people to be careful about meeting up with people they encounter on the social networking site.

So what would be the next safety move that Facebook would make? Of course, preaching abstinence is not a workable option, you know!

A new campaign opportunity for condom makers?!