May 23, 2005 | Sex & Society

Tina online: why AIDS is on the rise

Michael Specter, a regular contributor to The New Yorker, has penned a sobering piece on why so many gay men have fallen into a pattern of crystal meth use and unsafe sex - leading to increases in HIV infections and AIDS diagnoses across North America. 

Crystal provides a sense of immense empowerment, removes inhibitions and supercharges the libido, heightening the intensity of sex - so much so that sex without it seems rather boring in comparison.  Crystal meth, as you surely know, is also incredibly addictive and long-term use takes a great toll on the body and mind.

Take the allure of crystal meth, the ease of lining up sexual encounters through the wonder of the Internet, and a collective mindshift that sees HIV as "no big deal" and you have a recipe for rampant unsafe sex and increased HIV infections.

• Higher risk: crystal meth, the Internet, and dangerous choices about AIDS [The New Yorker]