Furqan recently helped to compile a survey of HIV infections in Pakistan, in which about 39% of respondents said they found their sexual partners using mobile apps. Nearly 100,000 people in Pakistan living with HIV/AIDS, but only 15,370 registeredTechnology has also triggered an inadvertent rise in infection rates elsewhere. AIDS scare in a Chiniot village as 42 residents test positive for HIVRaza Haidar, a programme manager at Dostana, said there was “no doubt” that mobile apps and social media had promoted the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. While he acknowledged that same-sex relations have always been possible, Haidar said apps and social media have made approaching strangers easier, particularly for men. For Ayan, apps and social media have not only made life safer by allowing him to approach customers off the street – out of the sight of violent police who often demand bribes – but are also good for business, even mainstream platforms like Facebook.

Source: The Express Tribune December 01, 2017 12:00 UTC