Here is some good news for people who need to deliver bad news. If you have recently been sexually active and discovered something strange “popping up,” you could make the news virtually pop up as well. How? Through an e-card!

The Web site inspotLA.org offers you this opportunity. However, is delivering this type of news over the Internet ethical?

“No, it should be told in person because it’s a big deal and you could give them the facts right away.” said Caitlin Foster, freshman dance major.

Jennifer Punzi, junior special education major, disagrees and thinks the importance lies in delivering the message.

“It is better that way than not knowing at all,” Punzi said.

The vote is still out if technology changes communication for the better or worse. Society delivering crucial news through light hearted e-mail seems careless and bizarre. But the idea is well thought out.

No one wants to deliver embarrassing news, and this site is a knowledgeable source that provides support for people who are struggling with the many emotions that come with having a social disease. The Web site provides information about sexually transmitted infections and offers insight on how to tell someone they should get checked, including e-cards as an option.

No doubt people need to remain informed about their health. E-cards offer a compromise for the embarrassed and scared to stay responsible. However, there are some drawbacks to this method, but the system is not perfect.

“Some people might think it is spam and just delete it, or they may just not check their e-mail.” Punzi said.

The e-cards offered through inspotLA.org have text and a picture that delivers the message and offers a space for you to write your own message. Therefore, if e-mail is the only way you feel comfortable telling this person, you should write them a detailed message letting them know it is not a joke. Another suggestion is to call or text them and tell them to check their e-mail. This way you are sure they will get the message.

It is still more ethical and polite to deliver the news in person. However, if sending an e-card will increase prevention for the mere fact that more people will be informed they have been infected or potentially infected, then by all means go for it.