The app will guide users to nearby clinics
(Mirror Daily, United States) – In spite of last year’s dispute, Tinder will help users get tested for STDs by inserting a new Health Safety section directly into their app. It might not change the world, but it seems the company itself has experienced a change of heart. It’s certainly a step forward down the right path.
In November of last year, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that rates for three specific STDs, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, have gone up. For the first time since 2006, the sexually transmitted diseases have seen a rise. Some even believed that popular dating apps, such as Tinder or Grindr, were part of the spike in numbers. In fact, a good number of billboards claiming as much were littered around New York and Los Angeles.
The conflict thus begun.
Tinder threatened a lawsuit against the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) for putting up the ads which implied Tinder and Grindr users encouraged the spreading of STDs. This is in spite of the fact that neither app was particularly praised for its social impact. The concept of ‘dating app’ has become a more formal way of describing it. Most would know that it’s more accurately a ‘hook up’ app that encourages casual sex and engaging in intercourse with several partners.
Tinder, however, protested against those implications. At first.
Now, it seemed that they have experienced a change of heart. Tinder has decided to instead steer into the skid and not fight what is already believed of them. Among their swiping left and swiping right features, the popular hook up app added a Health Safety feature. It includes a link to Healthvana’s testing locator, so users may easily find an accessible nearby and free clinic where they can be tested for STDs.
While the feature might not truly be used before a date, the awareness is the most important perk. It will emphasize the risk and encourage people to practice safe sex, along with regularly getting tested for STDs. According to Healthvana CEO, Ramin Bastani, in order to stay healthy in modern day dating world, regular tests are required. With a proper reminder directly into the dating app, it will reach the younger crowd more easily.
It seems that this is the measure to solve the issues between Tinder and the AHF. The feud could be put to rest now that the app has added Healthvana’s services into the equation. It shouldn’t be said that it will be simpler than just searching nearby clinics on Google, but it’s a good reminder and very accessible at just the press of a finger.
Perhaps it will arrive with an improvement of their reputation. Perhaps not. Regardless, Jessica Carbino from Tinder stated that their services encourages millions of people to create relationships. And a big part of that is “ensuring sexual health and safety”. It’s in their hopes that more social media networks will follow in their footsteps.
Image source: salon.com