According to a new report published by the Rhode Island Department of Health, the reason behind an increase in sexually transmitted diseases is due to dating apps.

A higher than average number of people was diagnosed with an STD between 2014 and 2015 in Rhode Island. According to the report, syphilis cases jumped 79% between 2013 and 2014 while Gonorrhea increased by more than 28%.

The Pew Research Center conducted a survey in 2013 and found that 59% of Americans consider that online dating services like Grindr an acceptable place to meet potential partners.

In Little Rhodey, the number of new HIV infections rose by 33%. The highest increases were among young adults, African-Americans and the LGBT community. Homosexual men were found to have the highest risk of contracting syphilis, which accounted for almost 75% of the newly reported cases.

The Rhode Island Department of Health said, "High-risk behaviors include using social media to arrange casual and often anonymous sexual encounters, having sex without a condom, having multiple sex partners, and having sex while under the influence of drugs or alcohol".

Critics have suggested that safe sex practices should be promoted. The department of Health has already acclaimed its own efforts in curbing these types of diseases.

Meanwhile, Utah reported that their number of gonorrhea cases has just increased by more than 600% in only 3 years since 2011.