Health and Emerging Technologies

In an interesting use of Web technology in the field of health, InSpot.org, a website is enabling people with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) to send anonymous email warnings to their partners in an attempt to slow a rise in new infections.

The site uses the ecard model to send messages like “I’m So Sorry” to notify people that they may have been exposed to a disease. It also offers information about getting tested and treatment. Users of the site, which went online in San Francisco in 2004, can choose from a selection of messages providing a convenient and anonymous avenue for people to be responsible about notifying their partners about a possible exposure to an STD.