Social networking site and music stalwart launch public service initiative
You’ve worried too long about that recurring rash – the one where no one wants a recurring rash — and finally mustered the will to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases. What’s next? Why tell the Internet, of course.
That modern-day urge to share one’s innermost experiences is at the heart of a public service initiative being launched by the social networking Web site Foursquare and MTV. In essence, the companies are attempting to reduce the stigma associated with STD testing by having as many people as possible step forward to proclaim they’ve run the gauntlet, so to speak.
MTV has made this particular public-health promotion a cause for some time and this year is teaming with Foursquare, whose users earn status and badges by announcing their presence in as many different places as possible. In September, those who tell their Foursquare breathren they’re at the STD clinic will be eligible for a badge noting that fact to post on their Foresquare page.
So who wants to go first?
There is skepticism, as might be expected. Writes one blogger:
Whilst we applaud the idea of raising awareness of sexual testing, and making steps to remove the taboo behind getting tested, I don’t think having a STI badge on your Foursquare wall will be quite the catalyst that MTV hopes it will.
And on Twitter: “Unless you’re a player I don’t think you want this badge.”
Foursquare has never held any appeal for me (in large part because I never go anywhere interesting) and my MTV days pretty much ended with an early ’80s crush on Martha Quinn, so I may not be the best pundit to judge this effort. But I do have one question that seems obvious:
Will there be a badge announcing the test results?
