– People must be allowed to do what they want. If that’s what you want to do, go for it, says student Lone Berg Ness (26). She talks about the “hookup” culture. An old phenomenon, but it has thus been given a new name. And the name is trending on social media. It involves sexual activity where there is no mutual expectation of a further relationship. It can be linked to the concept of one night stands, or casual sex, as it is called in Norwegian. – You only live once, says Ness. Through the hashtags #hookupkultur and #hookupculture on social media, young people give their opinions on the topic. Some are for the culture, others are against it. Photo: Screenshot from TikTok – Completely inside She is sitting with fellow student Ole Christian Minge (25) at Høgskolen Vest in Haugesund. He also believes that it is within the realm of possibility to take part in the hookup culture. – I have nothing against it. It’s probably a bit taboo from the olden days, he says. But: – I understand that many people look at it darkly, says Minge. Lone and Ole Christian agree that hookup culture is not a problem. Photo: Simon Elias Bogen / news – Concerned because not everyone agrees with them. – I am very concerned about this culture. Having sex can bring some couples together, but what I worry about is that goals and expectations are not clear beforehand. She is a sexologist and couples therapist. Sørensen believes that the “hookup” culture can make it more difficult to bond with a partner. – The consequences will be that more hearts are broken, which creates a greater fear of rejection and insecurity about oneself, she says. Sexologist and couples therapist Camilla Sørensen. She says there is nothing wrong with having “hookups”, but that having your own goals and expectations clear is important. Photo: Ida Erlandsen She says they will be left feeling used, and that this affects their sexuality. – Probably not everyone understands the consequences of this, says Sørensen. Want quick confirmation Student Kristoffer Dæhlen also believes that it can make it difficult to enter into a lasting relationship. He believes that it is a growing problem that many young people are only looking for the casual. – It’s about respect and that it’s actually possible to approach a person in a normal way and see if you have chemistry first, says Dæhlen. Student Kristoffer Dæhlen believes that social media has led to a more dangerous development for hookup culture. Photo: Simon Elias Bogen / news He is well aware of the trend, and believes it is particularly widespread because of social media. – Social norms have probably also changed a little. Now they want confirmation as soon as possible, he says. – “Hookup” culture not as widespread Psychologist and dating researcher Marius Stavang disagrees a little with Dæhlen. He believes that the phenomenon is not widespread in Norway. – Most people don’t go around and have a lot of casual sex. In fact, our data suggests that most singles have a fairly inactive sex life, he says. Psychologist Marius Stavang researches dating, single life and relationships. Photo: Privat But he agrees that active participation in the culture can help to damage the idea of commitment. – For some, it can help kill romance, he says. And by some, he means one group of men in particular: Those who are popular with women. – When men with many previous sexual partners go to bed with new women, they often experience a lack of connection. Thus, he believes men become less interested in commitment, and more motivated to move on to the next one. Difference between men and women Stavang is clear that this does not apply to everyone in the group. – There are plenty of people on the dating market who are interested in a long-term relationship, says Stavang. Student Minge thinks Stavang has a point. – It is somewhat in men’s nature to have a focus on sex. Women may think a little more before doing things. But I think it is probably very individual, he says.
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