Photo: © 2009  AFP/STR

According to a Galaxy research poll, 45 per cent of 18-29-year-olds think HIV can be contracted through mossie bites. 

A further 12 per cent consider using household items like cups and knives a high risk, whilst 53 per cent believe HIV is transmissible through blood transfusions.

But the even more alarming statistic is the 40 per cent increase in HIV diagnosis amongst Australians over the past decade.

It's a situation that the Burnet Institute are tackling with a new viral campaign called 'The FaceSpace Project.' 

In stark contrast to the Grim Reaper ads which terrified viewers during the 80s, FaceSpace follows four characters who weave public health messages throughout their stories.

The characters span in age from 16-22 and interact online with each other.

Over the next six months, they'll be talking online about topics like condom usage, STI testing and sexual health services.

It's the use of Web 2.0 technology that the Burnet Institute is hoping will communicate the message in a contemporary way with today's technology-savvy youth.