Despite being a topic not openly discussed in our community, the rise of hookup culture among the new generation definitely stands prominent. Hookup culture is usually understood as casual sex- where physical pleasure is prioritized and strings of dating usually don’t follow given it does not involve long-term commitments. It enables people, especially those who are at a relatively younger experience or aren’t seeking for anything long-term, to explore their sexual interests and understand their needs. The culture has normalised engaging in sexual activity without the pressure of having to stay with someone for the rest of their life when they are not sexually compatible.

However, given this ease of being involved with any amount of person you are attracted to sexually, the need of being aware and practising safe sex becomes equally important. Even though hookups are seen as brief and detached, it is necessary to have mutual respect among involved partners, prioritise consent, use contraceptives like condoms, and have open communication not only about sexual desires and likes, but also about getting tested, and staying clean of sexually transmitted diseases. As a generation normalising having sex with strangers after a brief exchange of conversation, it becomes a moral collective responsibility to also normalise talking about practising safe sex. All adults over the age of 18 who are sexually active and engage in hookups should be having a comprehensive STD screening, and visitation to gynaecologists or urologists at least once a year with a transparent sexual history.

Casual sex has become a means of escape for individuals from their other aspects of everyday life, and if you wish to indulge in this escapade, these visitations have to become a part of your routine to make escape stress-free. It is also worth noting that you should brace yourself emotionally, for there is always a high chance to wind up becoming attached to your sexual partner. Condoms and regular screening could safeguard you biologically, but it would be harder to stay protected from the roller coaster of emotions and the consequent toll on your mental health. Sex is amazing, and the feel-good neurotransmitters released by the brain after orgasm definitely makes it a whole lot better. But, it could become tricky differentiating between sexual desires and romantic desires with hookups- and if not able to balance efficiently, it could lead to trauma, depressive symptoms and feelings of loneliness. There could be varied opinions on hookup culture, and it would be upon no one, but you to determine the extent of exploration you