For a generation that is really obsessed with the idea of love and romance but seriously wants nothing to do with accountability, hookup culture seems to be the best thing since Agege bread for us.
If hookup culture were a meal, its ingredients would be limerence, lack of accountability, and greediness. All baked in the oven of this very enabling environment and served on a plate of ‘positivity’ and self-awareness.
What is Hookup Culture?
As it ranges from kissing to all types of physical s3xual activity between s3xual partners, the term “hook-up” has an unclear definition.
While the term in its most innocent form means meeting up to hang out or just have fun, we can all agree that fun now has a different meaning in this context. In fact, most words these days have a different meaning when contextualized.
The term ‘hookup’ has been commonly used for many generations and for a very long time all throughout the world.
However, based on modern definitions, hookup culture is one that accepts and promotes casual encounters, including one-night stands and other related activities. It primarily focuses on physical pleasure.
You can call it s3x without dating or no relationship s3x. A more brutal version of situationships and friends with benefits.
That’s right. There are levels to this game.
See: Breakfast In Relationships: How To Serve It Well
How did it all begin?
We cannot begin to date when this culture began. It probably existed since the days of Sodom and Gomorrah.
What we however can trace is when it became openly acceptable in Nigeria.
Hookups began to become more frequent in the 1920s, with the upsurge of automobiles and novel entertainment, such as movie theaters. Instead of courting at home under a parent’s watchful eye, young adults left home and were able to explore their s3xuality more freely.
With the development of feminism, the widespread availability of birth control, and the expansion of s3x-integrated college party events by the 1960s, young adults experienced an even greater degree of s3xual liberation.
Nowadays, s3xual activity outside of committed traditional pair bonds has become more common and socially acceptable. With the advent of the internet, we started to have a more in-depth view of the way people live their lives and what inspires different people to do the things they do.
The earlier, more general version of hookup was prostitution, which was deeply frowned upon and condemned. However, recently it is now recognized as a major profession in Nigeria.
This development came with the advent of feminism. And with the #metoo movement and the campaigns for all bodies to matter, it became paramount to protect the rights of s3x workers and legalize their trade.
Hookup stemmed from that, as the argument was that it involves some sort of recurring arrangement between both parties. It could be weekly, bi-weekly, or even monthly. And constant recurrence will lead to some sort of affinity between the persons involved.
Related: How to Become a Sugar Daddy in Nigeria
Hookup Culture in Nigeria
In Nigeria, however, the art of hook-up is a deft technique to get paid for s3x without resorting to prostitution or “runs”.
Runs is a common slang for prostitution, and runs girls are the emerging urban s3x workers. On-demand and innovative call girls who are steps ahead of prostitutes.
Hookup culture is a more acceptable term for s3x services. Perhaps because the older generation, who typically would condemn such acts are unfamiliar with the slang, it became openly acceptable.
More men and women are getting into platonic s3xual relationships because of the benefits. This is quite different from Friends with benefits or situationships because the expectations are clear here.
There usually is an agreement between all the parties involved on what the expectation of the arrangement is and the responsibility of each party.
Related: Sugar Mummy In Nigeria
Damaging Effects
The effect of this culture can range from “emotional and psychological injury, s3xual violence, s3xually transmitted infections (STIs), and/or unintended pregnancy.
Despite these known potential effects, many people are either unaware or unbothered by these s3xual risks.
Hooking up can also have detrimental impacts on a person’s mental health, such as anxiety or discomfort. According to one study, about 35% of the students polled said they felt regret or disappointment after hooking up.
Specialists have employed qualitative assessments to determine the kind and intensity of remorse that a student might experience following uncommitted s3x. Several claimed to have emotions of humiliation, emotional problems, and a general lack of respect from their peers.
Related: Child Abuse: Types and How to Prevent It
Hookup culture: In conclusion…
s3xual hookups by definition offer the appeal of s3x without commitment.
Although s3xual hookups are becoming more socially acceptable, emerging research indicates that there may be more strings attached than many people initially think.
