ThereB次元官网网址檚 a centuries-old saying about good intentions most people should be familiar with. And while the idea of reducing the spread of sexually transmitted infections is noble, there are a few problems with the plan to let people email their lovers to warn them they could have an STI.

First of all, the rather cute e-cards developed for the B.C. Centre for Disease Control could make some people believe the issue of STIs is not something to take seriously.

This is particularly a concern for young people who are just beginning an active sex life.

The ability to send these e-cards anonymously, with quips about being B次元官网网址渟crewedB次元官网网址� or taken B次元官网网址渙ut of actionB次元官网网址� is supposed to make it easier for people to warn their lovers to get checked. ThatB次元官网网址檚 great if it allows someone to get a diagnosis and be treated before a disease can do irreparable damage. However, thereB次元官网网址檚 a problem if the message some people hear is that transmitting an STI is no big deal because you can anonymously inform your partners after the fact.

Managing intimate relationships has always been tricky territory for men and women. ThatB次元官网网址檚 no exception for the current generation of young adults who seem to spend as much time communicating electronically as they do in person. Many older adults find it mind-boggling that some people feel itB次元官网网址檚 fair to end a relationship by changing your status on Facebook. And maybe itB次元官网网址檚 a little old-fashioned but we share the belief that some things should be done in person.

Having sex requires a level of maturity and if someone is old enough to be intimate with another person they need to be able to understand the potential consequences of their action. ItB次元官网网址檚 fine to take a shortcut if it saves someone from a lifetime of suffering because of an untreated STI. But letB次元官网网址檚 not pretend sending an anonymous e-card is the same as taking personal responsibility. The only way to do that is to face the music and talk to your partner (or partners) in person.