Foursquare and MTV have teamed up to promote a special virtual “badge” for users who check into health clinics and get tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
The sought-after trophy is part of MTV’s “GYT: Get Yourself Tested” campaign – which has attempted to de-stigmatize routine STD checks since 2009.
So, how does the new GYT campaign work?
Well, Foursquare members can visit their own health care providers, or locate nearby clinics simply by accessing GYT’s website and entering their ZIP code.
Once they’ve checked in to a clinic, users “shout” the letters “GYT” to their friends and are awarded a prestigious “badge,” which is lime green and black, with the letters “GYT” prominently displayed in the middle.
It should be noted that one in two sexually active young adults is likely to contract an STD by the age of 25 – so getting tested is probably a good idea.
However, I’m not sure how enthusiastic the majority of Foursquare members will be about loudly broadcasting their visits (sexually related or otherwise) to the local clinic.
Still, promoting awareness amongst teens is certainly an admirable cause, and it is obviously better to be safe than sorry.
