4 Ways to Combat the Hook-Up Culture and Encourage Genuine Relationships
College is a time of self-discovery. It’s a time to figure out “who am I?” and to understand one’s choices about relationships, especially intimate ones. Unfortunately, during this journey, students find themselves at a crossroads of social normalcy and realistic expectations. Although many aspire to have a healthy relationship with a genuine connection, some fall victim to the unfulfilling experience of hook-ups and the peer pressure to just “loosen up.”
Cindy Pierce, sex educator and comic storyteller, helps students put sex in a healthy context for those who want to make it a safe priority without letting it sabotage their emotional well-being. Her keynote Ringing the Doorbell: Saner, Healthier Sex in College, gives students a fresh, honest and funny perspective on the ins and outs of intimate relationships. Cindy’s humorous approach will put students at ease while she tells enlightening stories about the forces that drive choices, habits and expectations around relationships and sex.
The following are 4 ways to provide perspective and information to inspire college students to slow down, pay closer attention and be more mindful of relationships:
WWW and Social Media
Because Internet access and social networking keeps students constantly connected and provides a plethora of information, it’s essential that students are aware of the impact these technologies have on their lives. While it can be considered positive to have more communication and knowledge, it can also be overwhelming.
Alcohol
Excessive alcohol consumption in college has become an accepted way to reduce stress and to quell social and sexual angst. Competitive drinking games encourage a more mindless kind of consumption and fruit flavored hard liquors conceal the natural repellent that used to slow a person’s intake. The combination of excessive drinking (and inability to make sound decisions) and the hook-up culture is a cause of sexual assaults on campuses.
Pornography
Regular viewing of Intern porn is negatively impacting the sexual expectations of men and women, both directly and indirectly. Because male viewers outnumber female viewers, hetero- and homosexual men develop more skewed ideas about how their partner’s bodies and their own bodies should appear and respond. Women, therefore, feel the pressure of aspiring to behaviors considered “hot” by male partners and run the risk of developing self-esteem issues when it comes to intimacy.
Meaningless Hook-Ups
Dressing like and acting like a porn star is justified as being “sexually liberated and empowered,” when in fact it is often a mask of false sexual confidence. Sharing one’s body freely without regard for the emotional impact of a sexual experience is now a way some women have disconnected themselves to avoid the empty feelings associated with meaningless sex and the hook-up culture.
Cindy’s belief is that information is power and admitting when help is needed will enrich any life experience.
“The first step is gathering one’s healthy tribe of trusting friends and role models to help navigate the challenges of the college social scene,” says Cindy.
Visit campuspeak.com/pierce to learn about Cindy’s keynote and to watch her promotional video.
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