Integrating Social Media with Smartphone Applications to Prevent Adolescent Sexually Transmitted Infections
Marcus Cannon1, DeQuarius Bonds1, MSAntwan Nicholson2
1Mississippi INBRE Service Scholar, Alcorn State University, Lorman, MS
2My Brother’s Keeper, Inc., Ridgeland, MS
The use of technology and the case of transmitted infections in the adolescent population has been on the rise in the twentieth century. Research shows that preventing sexually transmitted infections among adolescents has proven to be difficult in recent years. According to Pew Research Center, 95% of adolescents have access to smart phones and 45% are frequently online. Upon review of all programed applications that were uniquely specified for sexually transmitted infection, it was discovered that no applications were specifically designed for adolescents (including those that were sharable on social media sites). A total of 55 applications were identified and research showed that 15% of those applications were designed for individuals who have already encountered sexually transmitted infections (Journal of Medical Research, 2013). Research did not reflect any applications that pertained specifically to sexually transmitted infections in adolescents. However, there was significant evidence of application that targeted individuals that were currently infected with an STI. As a result of the research, it is concluded that there is a need for applications to be created and promoted through social medial and other digital technology outlets.