There is a notable cultural shift towards more casual dating and sexual encounters and it’s popularly known as the “hook-up culture”.
The Rise of Hook-Up Culture
With the increase of internet availability, there has been a notable decrease in the seriousness of traditionally genuine friendships, courtships, and dating, this has ultimately made genuine dating and honest relationships very hard to achieve for many.
The numerous dating apps and chatting apps today are the main fuel towards the “fast dating” culture. It is very easy to just swipe through profiles and get a partner for the night in an instant, which is enabling a focus on short hang outs mixed with sexual encounters for many young people, over building long term genuine relationships.
This hookup culture in Kenya largely focuses on immediate gratification , and with this, there is a notable decrease in the importance of building and having meaningful connections across from ages 20 to late 40s.
The Downside of Short-Term Encounters
The truth is, these kinds of fast paced relationships are only exciting in the first 2 encounters, before you shift to the next person searching for more excitement, it’s an act driven by adrenaline and not genuine intention.
Participating in these fast-paced relationships has proven that they often end as quickly, and undeniably, it is fun, but then later on when time catches up, you end up realizing that you do not have true companionship and or someone to grow old with which can cause a very lonely life in old age.
The Fulfillment of Genuine Connections
It is inarguably rewarding to have a solid partner by your side by the time you’re hitting your late 30 and a family with children as well.
Fun is great to have but it’s important to remember that meaningful connections and long-term relationships provide a deeper level of fulfilment and satisfaction, and since you cannot build one as soon as you need it, you need time to build on a relationship you can lean on.
in the end, the choice between engaging in the hook ups culture versus traditional long-term relationships is personal and depends on your life goals. So, what will you choose? is it the quick thrills or is it lasting relationship?
whatever the choice, remember that honest connections come from time investment and genuine intentions.