Implications of the Endorsement of Hookup Culture on College Campuses in the United States

Abstract

Hookup culture has grown to characterize a vast majority of the sexual and romantic behavior currently occurring on college campuses in the United States. While this culture endorses casual and commitment-free sexual encounters, it is notable that the the amount of sex happening at this point in time is not significantly different than the amount that happened before this new outlook became the focus of many studies and media outlets. Thus, this research review article serves to analyze the implications of the endorsement of hookup culture on college campuses in the United States. Through the use of studies, survey data, and sources in popular media, a comprehensive outlook of hookup culture is provided. This includes background on the endorsement of hookup culture and misconceptions surrounding the level of sexual activity occurring on college campuses, risks and benefits of casual sex, changes as a result of sexual behavior becoming less taboo, and how these changes will likely expand and affect future generations. Overall, hookup culture has both positive and negative aspects that depend on situational characteristics for those involved. Perceived increases in the future of communication surrounding sexual activity, coupled with new methods of providing safe sex interventions on college campuses, are expected to provide many benefits for young adults in later years.