Syphilis Increasing Among Millennials

The sexually transmitted infection syphilis is on the rise among millennials and many blame the sex “hookup” app Tinder. “According to a new report issued by the Centers for Disease Control, there has been a 19 percent spike in the number of cases of syphilis from the previous year with most cases happening among 15-24 year-olds… The reason for this spike, experts say, is because of the ‘Tinder effect,’ or the idea that casual anonymous sex is easier because of online hookup sites like Tinder” (Breitbart, October 30, 2016). “The problem with casual, anonymous sex via apps is twofold: You’re more likely to catch something from one out of 100 hookups, and you’re less likely to inform your former partners if you find out you have something… Syphilis is hard to detect because its symptoms look like a lot of other ailments. If untreated, it can remain latent in the body for years.” In its late stages, syphilis “may damage the internal organs, including the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones and joints” (The New York Post, October 29, 2016).

The Bible makes it very clear that fornication—sexual behavior before marriage—is a sin (2 Corinthians 12:21; Galatians 5:19; Colossians 3:5). God also inspired Paul to write that sexual sin affects the body (1 Corinthians 6:18), and it has emotional and physical consequences—including sexually transmitted infections. God designed sex only for marriage and to provide blessings from this type of godly relationship. However, sexual activity outside of marriage has serious and lasting consequences. To learn more about God’s plan for sex and marriage, read our article, “The Sex Age.”