“A fun experience...but bad for the soul...”: Perceptions and impacts of hookup culture among young adults in Iceland

Abstract Relationships and dating are often common factors in young adults’ lives, but some claim that, in recent years, the dating culture of young adults has taken a drastic turn and is now more focused on quick, casual relationships and hookups rather than long-term, committed relationships. This study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the dating world among young adults in Iceland, more specifically their perceptions and the impacts of the so-called “hookup culture.” A phenomenological, qualitative research method was used where data was obtained through one-on-one interviews. Eight young adults, between the ages of 21 to 27, took part in the study where semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions took place. The results of the study indicate that hooking up has become the norm for young adults despite finding the hookup scene involving more negatives than positives on their well-being and that most use dating apps in search of hookup. However, all study participants agreed that they would prefer long-term, committed relationships, and most find it a healthier form of a relationship. These findings highlight the claims of the high prevalence of the hookup culture in Iceland, even though people long for a more committed relationship. Keywords: Hookup culture, dating, young adults, friends-with-benefits, dating apps, casual relationships

Author dc:creator

• Valdís Ósk Gunngeirsdóttir 2002-

Contributors dc:contributor

• Háskólinn í Reykjavík

• Sálfræði
• Skyndikynni
• Stefnumót
• Psychology
• Hookup culture
• Dating

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/1946/50584

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:skemman.is:1946/50584