Swipe Right, Stay the Night: The New Rules and Realities of Casual Sex

Introduction

As society has continued to evolve, so have attitudes toward sexuality and relationships. Casual sex, which has been defined as sexual activity that occurs outside the bounds of a committed relationship (Garcia et al., 2012), has become increasingly common and widely accepted. In the past few decades, this shift has fueled substantial research into motivations for engaging in casual sex, the potential psychological impacts, and the implications on social norms and individual well-being (Dhanoa, 2020).

The Rise of Casual Sex in Modern Society

Several factors have contributed to the increase in casual sex. The growth of online dating, shifting social values, and increased access to contraception have made casual sex more accessible and, in many communities, more acceptable. Additionally, research has shown that sociosexuality—individuals' openness to casual sex and relationships without commitment—has become more common, especially among younger generations (Garcia et al., 2012). It has been estimated that between 60 and 80 percent of North American college students have had some sort of casual sex experience (Garcia et al., 2012), and 40 percent of sexually active teens reporting preference for hookups rather than exclusive relationships (Lyons et al., 2015).

One notable factor which has contributed to the increase in casual sex is the role of technology. Dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and Grindr have made it easier to find like-minded individuals seeking similar sexual experiences without commitment. Individuals can even filter potential matches by relationship type, including those looking for “short-term fun”. The ease of meeting new people online has played a crucial role in normalizing casual sex, especially among millennials and Generation Z, who grew up with these technologies readily available during such formative years (Garcia et al., 2012).

Casual Chemistry: The Benefits of Embracing Hookups

Supporters of casual sex argue that participation represents a form of sexual liberation, where individuals can explore their desires without societal pressure to conform to traditional monogamous relationships. Research shows that people who engage in casual sex for self-affirmation, exploration, and pleasure tend to report positive emotional experiences. A 2014 study by Vrangalova and Ong found that, for people with higher levels of sociosexuality, casual sex did not necessarily lead to adverse mental health outcomes; instead, it promoted feelings of empowerment and autonomy when pursued intentionally.

Casual sex can certainly have positive emotional outcomes when aligned with individual preferences and sociosexual orientation. Research has suggested that some people derive pleasure, validation, and increased self-esteem from casual sexual encounters. Some individuals who reported casual sex experiences often associated them with higher levels of sexual satisfaction and reduced feelings of loneliness (Wesche et al., 2022). For individuals who have chosen to prioritize personal or career goals over committed relationships, casual sex can offer a fulfilling way to experience intimacy and connection on their terms.

The acceptance of casual sex has also positively contributed to reducing stigma around diverse expressions of sexuality. As societal acceptance of casual sex grows, people feel more comfortable discussing and exploring sexual experiences without fear of judgment. Casual sex has become part of a broader movement to embrace sexual diversity, helping to promote a more open and accepting culture that supports individual choice (Wesche et al., 2022). This acceptance and openness has also framed sex as a means for pleasure, beyond traditional ideas of sex as solely means for reproduction (Garcia et al., 2012).

Casual Chaos: The Drawbacks of Embracing Hookups

While casual sex can be fulfilling for some, research suggests it can also have adverse effects, particularly for individuals with lower sociosexuality. Studies have found that people who are less comfortable with non-committed sexual interactions may experience regret, shame, and reduced self-esteem after engaging in casual sex. For example, a 2017 study by Napper and colleagues found that casual sex among college students was linked to increased psychological distress, particularly for those who participated in these encounters to fit in or due to peer pressure. The emotional outcomes of casual sex are highly individualized and can vary significantly depending on a person's motivations and psychological predispositions.

Critics of casual sex often cite increased health risks, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies, as potential downsides. While contraception and STI-prevention methods are widely available, not all individuals take proper precautions, increasing the likelihood of adverse health outcomes. Furthermore, access to contraception is not evenly distributed in disadvantaged communities, which heightens health risks in already vulnerable populations (Dehlendorf et al., 2011). Research by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC; 2022) has shown that despite greater sexual health education, STI rates remain high, particularly among young adults. Casual sex, when not practiced safely, can lead to an array of health-related issues that carry physical, emotional, and financial burdens.

Casual sex can also influence expectations of relationships in ways that may hinder long-term satisfaction. Some researchers suggest that regular engagement in casual sex may lead individuals to prioritize physical intimacy over emotional depth in future relationships. Research has shown that those who frequently participate in casual sex may experience difficulties in forming attachments and may have higher levels of anxiety in relationships (Wesche et al., 2022). This can create a paradox: while casual sex offers freedom from commitment, it may complicate the path to developing lasting, meaningful relationships for some.

Finding a Balance: Is there a Middle Ground?

The question of whether casual sex is “good” or “bad” for individuals and society is complex. The diversity in experiences and motivations indicates that the effects of casual sex are far from one-size-fits-all. The key to positive outcomes seems to be aligning one’s sexual behaviors with personal values and preferences. Those with a high level of sociosexuality may find casual sex to be an empowering part of their lives, while those with lower sociosexuality may benefit from seeking relationships that prioritize emotional depth. Education and open discussions about casual sex play a crucial role in promoting safe and fulfilling experiences, and education that addresses both the psychological and physical aspects of casual sex can equip individuals with the tools needed to make informed choices.

Conclusion

Casual sex in modern society embodies both the liberation of individual choice and the complexities of human emotion and health. While casual sex offers freedom and autonomy, it also poses unique challenges, such as health risks and potential psychological downsides. By understanding these nuanced perspectives and the factors influencing casual sex’s popularity, we can foster more informed, respectful discussions about sexuality. As society continues to grapple with evolving norms around sex and relationships, recognizing that individual experiences are varied and complex can help us build a more inclusive and understanding culture. Ultimately, the goal is to support each person’s journey in finding the sexual and relational experiences that align best with their values and well-being.

Anonymous
BAH Psychology 2025
Queen's University

References

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2022: Overview. https://www.cdc.gov/std/statistics/2022/overview.htm

Dehlendorf, C., Rodriguez, M. I., Levy, K., Borrero, S., & Steinauer, J. (2010). Disparities in family planning. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 202(3), 214–220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2009.08.022

Dhanoa, A., Eshan, F., Huxter, K., & Moller, C. L. (2020). Young and risky: sexual behaviours among generation Z and millennials. Eureka, 5(1), 1-9.

https://doi.org//10.29173/eureka28749

Garcia, J. R., Reiber, C., Massey, S. G., & Merriwether, A. M. (2012). Sexual hookup culture: a review. Review of General Psychology, 16(2), 161-176.

https://doi.org//10.1037/a0027911

Lyons, H. A., Manning, W. D., Longmore, M. A., & Giordano, P. C. (2015). Gender and casual sexual activity from adolescence to emerging adulthood: social and life course correlates.

Journal of Sex Research, 52(5), 543-557. https://doi.org//10.1080/00224499.2014.9

Napper, L. E., Montes, K., Kenney, S. R., & LaBrie, J. W. (2017). Assessing the personal negative impacts of hooking up experienced by college students: gender differences and mental health. Journal of Sex Research, 53(7), 209-220.

https://doi.org//10.1080/00224499.2015.1065951

Vrangalova, Z. & Ong, A. (2014). Who benefits from casual sex? The moderating role of sociosexuality. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 5(8), 17-23.

https://doi.org//10.1177/1948550614537308

Wesche, R., Claxton, S. E., & Waterman, E. A. (2022). Emotional outcomes of casual sexual relationships and experiences: A systematic review. Journal of Sex Research, 58(8),

49-68. https://doi.org//10.1080/00224499.2020.1821163

The Self-Screening Superpower: Taking Control of Cervical Cancer

A Public Health Crisis

Undressed, legs spread open, lying under fluorescent lights as a stranger pokes and prods at your genitals. This is the uncomfortable experience of many assigned females during their Pap test, a routine but invasive cancer screening examination of the cervix, which connects the womb to the vaginal canal. But what if you could screen cervical cancer from the comfort of your own home? Human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling (SS) is an innovative screening strategy to optimize early detection of cervical cancer. As the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide (Arbyn et al., 2020), 99% of cervical cancer is caused by high-risk HPV infection (World Health Organization [WHO], 2022). However, it can be cured if detected and treated early (WHO, 2022). SS kits allow people with a cervix (encompassing women, Two-Spirit, transgender and gender-diverse individuals) to use a swab to collect a vaginal sample at home and mail it to a laboratory for testing (WHO, 2022). If high-risk HPV strains are detected, the patient is connected to follow-up clinical assessments. However, a debate remains: is SS an effective solution to reduce cervical cancer or is it a far-fetched dream that can’t realistically be nationally implemented?

The Superpowers of Self-Sampling

Despite the pervasiveness of cervical cancer, 25% of women in the United States don’t undergo their recommended screening (White, 2017). Individuals from equity-seeking social locations such as 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, Black and Indigenous women, women from a low socioeconomic status, and women with disabilities are disproportionately impacted by cervical cancer, yet they are the least likely to undergo recommended screening (Charlebois & Kean, 2024). They may face obstacles such as difficulties accessing a family physician, incompatible clinic hours, lack of transportation (especially for northern, remote, isolated communities), cultural concerns about modesty, and indirect costs, such as childcare or booking time off work (Madzima et al., 2017).

However, SS is a possible solution to reach these underdiagnosed populations. Completed in the privacy of one’s home, SS has been found to have a high acceptability among under-screened demographics, who report less embarrassment, pain, anxiety, and discomfort than in Pap tests (Madzima et al., 2017). SS has increased screening uptake in underscreened populations, almost doubling participation in cervical cancer screening services (WHO, 2022). In a study of 697 women from low-income backgrounds, mailed SS kits increased uptake of cervical cancer screening when compared to usual care (help scheduling in-clinic appointments), with 78% returning their SS sample for testing (Pretsch et al., 2023).

SS can also be an empowering process. Women that have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual trauma face a greater risk of cervical cancer as they are subjected to worse social determinants of health (such as unemployment, limited education, or a low income) yet also have lower cervical cancer screening rates due to feelings of retraumatization during in-clinic pelvic exams (Madding et al., 2024). Interviews of women with a history of IPV found they preferred SS over clinician-administered sampling due to an increased sense of autonomy, safety, and control (Madding et al., 2024).

Furthermore, SS execution is highly feasible, with positive outcomes seen in countries that have already begun to implement it. It has been shown to be more cost-effective and more sensitive at detecting HPV when compared to clinician-collected Pap test samples (Charlebois & Kean, 2024). Australia initiated universal HPV SS in 2022, with 40% of individuals overdue for screening using SS methods and leading to increased rates in remote areas and Indigenous communities (Charlebois & Kean, 2024). By increasing accessibility, convenience, and comfort in a feasible and highly validated method, SS decreases health inequities for individuals who need it the most.

The Struggles of Self-Sampling

            Despite the many benefits it offers for hard-to-reach populations, SS also presents new challenges. Mailed SS kits are not necessarily accessible to all underscreened populations, as they require a mailing address for kit delivery, a safe and private location for sample collection, and transportation to clinics if follow-up care is necessary. Additionally, many women report concerns regarding sampling accuracy, both due to lack of confidence in their own specimen self-collection abilities and lack of trust in the results (Madzima et al., 2017). If samples are inadequately collected, there might be an overreporting of negative tests (indicating no HPV when in reality HPV is present). Even if the test correctly detects the presence of HPV, there are still low rates of follow-up care participation after diagnosis (Wang & Coleman, 2023). Women in the United States report lack of healthcare coverage as a major barrier to follow-up care (Madzima et al., 2017). In Canada, only British Columbia and Prince Edward Island have implemented free SS as the primary screening strategy for cervical cancer (Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, 2024). These obstacles disproportionately impact equity-seeking communities, including Black women or women of low socioeconomic status (Wang & Coleman, 2023). So, although SS increases screening uptake, it may not actually decrease cancer incidence rates if women are unable to access follow-up treatment. SS can also create tensions within marriage, as some women face accusations of untrustworthiness and infidelity when testing for sexually transmitted HPV, leading to avoidance of screening (Madzima et al., 2017). By presenting logistical, systemic, and relationship challenges, SS may perpetuate health disparities in cervical cancer screening.

Somewhere in Between

            SS has been shown to be a highly accessible, acceptable and feasible alternative to Pap tests, with the ability to increase early detection and treatment of cervical cancer within equity-denied populations (Madzima et al., 2017). However, in order to be successfully implemented, SS interventions require more than simply mailing a kit; each stage of the process needs to be considered, from recruitment to screening to follow-up care. Instead of only relying on medical clinic recruitment sources, community outreach programs based on geographical social and material deprivation indexes can help recruit hard-to-reach, underscreened populations (Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, 2024; Pretsch et al., 2023). The dissemination of information about the benefits, efficacy, and the correct specimen collection process should be provided to women to increase confidence in and knowledge of HPV screening, harnessing culturally-relevant communication methods, both formally (public service announcements) and informally (social media and phone texts), to prompt follow-up appointment reminders and provide information on SS guidelines. Policy reforms that facilitate follow-up linkage after a positive test result should be implemented. Using a holistic, multicomponent approach that combines SS with reminder letters and personal contact with physicians to provide explanations of test results has been shown to improve follow-up adherence (Madzima et al., 2017). As well, follow-up participation can be enhanced by enlisting community health workers to encourage feelings of trust and safety, offering mobile treatment to reduce transportation barriers, and pre-booking follow-up appointments. As much of the current research is limited to cisgender women, future studies should include all individuals who have a cervix to ensure the wider generalizability of findings. Ultimately, if appropriately implemented, SS is a self-empowering game changer that can reduce cervical cancer and begin to dismantle systemic health inequities.

Maya Druss-Wong (She/Her), 4th year BSc Psychology, Queen's University. 

References

Arbyn, M., Weiderpass, E., Bruni, L., de Sanjosé, S., Saraiya, M., Ferlay, J., & Bray, F. (2020). Estimates of incidence and mortality of cervical cancer in 2018: A worldwide analysis. The Lancet Global Health, 8(2). https://doi.org/10.1016/s2214-109x(19)30482-6

Canadian Partnership Against Cancer. (2024, September 24). HPV testing. https://www.partnershipagainstcancer.ca/topics/cervical-screening-canada-2023-2024/modalities/hpv-testing/

Charlebois, S., & Kean, S. (2024). To eliminate cervical cancer in Canada, nationwide funding of self-sampling for human papillomavirus is needed. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 196(21). https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.240722

Madding, R. A., Currier, J. J., Yanit, K., Hedges, M., & Bruegl, A. (2024). HPV self-collection for cervical cancer screening among survivors of sexual trauma: A qualitative study. BMC Women’s Health, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-024-03301-x

Madzima, T. R., Vahabi, M., & Lofters, A. (2017). Emerging role of HPV self-sampling in cervical cancer screening for hard-to-reach women: Focused literature review. Canadian Family Physician, 63(8), 597–601.

Pretsch, P. K., Spees, L. P., Brewer, N. T., Hudgens, M. G., Sanusi, B., Rohner, E., Miller, E., Jackson, S. L., Barclay, L., Carter, A., Wheeler, S. B., & Smith, J. S. (2023). Effect of HPV self-collection kits on cervical cancer screening uptake among under-screened women from low-income US backgrounds (MBMT-3): A phase 3, open-label, Randomised Controlled Trial. The Lancet Public Health, 8(6). https://doi.org/10.1016/s2468-2667(23)00076-2

Wang, R., & Coleman, J. S. (2023). The HPV self-collection paradox: Boosting cervical cancer screening, struggling with follow-up care. The Lancet Public Health, 8(6). https://doi.org/10.1016/s2468-2667(23)00094-4

World Health Organization. (2022). Self-care interventions: Human papillomavirus (‎HPV)‎ self-sampling as part of cervical cancer screening and treatment, 2022 update. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-SRH-23.1