Sexually transmitted diseases are no joke, and they're making a strong comeback, next door, in Rhode Island. The state Department of Health says HIV rates in the state are up 33 percent from 2013 to 2014, gonorrhea cases are up 30 percent, and syphilis cases skyrocketed a whopping 79 percent! So what's behind the uptick in cases?

Officials say it's partly due to better testing, but that hookup apps such as Tinder are also to blame! In a statement the department writes, "High-risk behaviors include using social media to arrange casual and often anonymous sexual encounters..." Rhode Island officials point out that the stats are reflective of a national trend. Be careful out there, and watch out about dating anyone from social media sites that offer hookups!

More From WBSM-AM/AM 1420