Maybe it’s the beach, the year-round sunny weather, or the gorgeous people- but the general consensus is this: not many couples are in serious relationships at UCSB. Dating? Maybe. Hooking Up? Definitely. But to call someone a ‘boyfriend’ or ‘girlfriend’ seems to be a step that’s too big to take. With Valentine’s Day just days behind us, it’s time to look forward, and figure out why casual dating has become not only a theme, but the culture in Isla Vista.
There are many factors that can contribute to this epidemic- for some, it’s the idea of finally being out of their parent’s house. This sense of freedom can be overwhelming for many- it’s refreshing to know that you can shack it at a random house in IV, and not have to worry about the consequences of strict parents. For others, hook up culture has become a tool for personal gratification, maybe even a few bragging rights. Although you may deny it, it’s refreshing to be able to boast around the kitchen table on a Saturday Morning about ‘hooking up with the HOTTEST guy at the party last night.” while your friends listen closely to every juicy detail. But for some, maybe it’s neither of these- maybe your hook-ups are backed by the idea of coming to college and turning over a new leaf. You know that hot guy that you could never date in high school because he was your best friend’s sister’s ex-boyfriend? Well luckily for you, UCSB has thousands of sexy singles that are totally off the radar. These ingredients add up to three words: No Strings Attached.
But there are more than enough downfalls of random hook-ups. I’m sure the consequences of STI’s and STD’s have been drilled into your mind since sixth grade so we’ll skip those for now. Let’s talk about that hot date you have at a really nice restaurant… When you walk in and see last weekend’s fling. Awkward? Very. Or what about your midnight trip to Albertson’s in no make-up in sweatpants when you run into him again? The grocery store line has never been so long. And from personal experience, I can tell you that running into last year’s hook-up at a restaurant when he’s with his entire family can get a bit uncomfortable… If only his poor mother knew how you really met.
To sum things up, Isla Vista can get a bit crazy. We’re a bunch of crazy, aroused college students living under a roof with 5 people just like us. So yes, hook-ups happen. But don’t think that just because everyone else is doing it, that you need to follow the trend.