MTV's "GYT" Campaign Says Cool Kids Get Tested

Shockingly, one in two young people will get an STD by the age of 25, and many won't even be aware of it.

MTV wanted to do something about that discouraging statistic, so the network created a public service campaign called "GYT" (Get Yourself Tested). The goal of the campaign is to present and encourage STD testing in a way that young people respond to. It's an admirable goal, so we thought we'd mention the venture here.

The hub of the campaign is GYTNOW.org where people can get the facts on STDs, testing, and protection, as well as "talking tips" to help young people communicate with their partners, parents, and health care providers. The site also has a testing center locator provided by the CDC.

Meanwhile over on MTV, the channel has special programming scheduled to draw attention to the campaign. Things kick off tomorrow night with MTV's 10 Most Outrageous Sex Myths... 

With a jokey tone, confessions from Kelly Rowland and appearances by MTV Teen Mom and Jersey Shore stars, tomorrow night's special is definitely aimed at the youth market. It also looks to be quite explicit in covering such hot topics as the rhythm method, double bagging and whatever the hell Nick Cannon gets up to with Mariah Carey.

But you know, we're a bit curious about a series of short videos recorded under the GYT brand which profile young and edgy t-shirt designers, graffiti artists and the like. Perhaps these artists were chosen because of their "street cred" (and they do seem to have that), but the subjects really only talk about their art - and nothing about STD testing or the GYT campaign.

It's like a cool ad for a product that never actually mentions the product. Here's a couple of them so you'll have a sense.

What do you think of these GYT profile spots? Do you think, within the context of the larger GYT campaign, that they help to encourage STD testing amongst the under twenty crowd?