On first thoughts, I thought that these were the latest trends to hit the Gen Next, in the lines of online dating and online sex. But no, we are not talking about actual condoms here, but E-Condoms are messages launched by the New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, urging safe sex and directing readers where to get official “NYC Condoms” for free.

I am not sure whether this indicates the growing popularity of social networking sites or the growing and more pressing need to encourage safer sex practices. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the City’s officials launched a Facebook page and Facebook application promoting condom use with “e-condoms”.

This unconventional and ambitious use of social networking tools by a State Department shows that that the need is indeed pressing. New York has more AIDS cases than Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami and Washington combined. More than 100,000 residents are HIV positive. “By using Facebook, we can help millions of people spread the word about condoms,” said the assistant health commissioner for HIV prevention and control.

Since the city’s official condom was unveiled in 2007, more than 70 million have been given away. Last year, Yves Behar, an industrial designer in San Francisco, redesigned the condom with a new wrapper and a dispenser that has received several awards from design organizations.

So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and send a E-condom as a Valentine’s Gift!

via : New York Times