Swipe left or swipe right: Are young Pinoys hooked on hookup culture?

With the advent of technology and changing attitudes, more and more Pinoys are getting hooked on hookup culture.

"Dahil mas madali na sa atin makakilala ng ibang tao mas madali na rin tayo makahanap ng ibang tao to have sex with," Rica Cruz, a sex therapist and educator at Ateneo de Manila University, said in an episode of I Juander.

"They just go around having different sexual partners and that's what constitutes the hookup culture."

Denis Santos, a 22-year old who is openly gay, says he's been hooking up for over two years already, especially since it helps him cope with the stresses at work.

There are mobile apps specific for those who are looking for hookups. It usually starts with a "Hey" before it further progresses to the direct questions of whether or not the other person is down to have sex.

"If masyado in a rush 'yung tao me-message niyan 'Up for fun?' So by 'fun' alam na it's, they're looking for a hookup then mage-exchange ng picture," Santos says. "Once nag-click kayo or interested sa isa't-isa, tatanong na kung may available na place."

In just a matter of minutes, people can already arrange for a meetup with their new sexual partner. However, given the dangers of having multiple partners, Santos makes sure to protect himself.

He would always set boundaries with his partner before they even meet up. Aside from always using condoms, he would discuss with his partner what they're both allowed to do and what aren't.

Santos admits that because his generation is more accepting of this culture, he is freer to express both himself and his sexuality.

But Cruz, the sex therapist, advises that the culture isn't for everyone, especially for those who are looking for something long-term.

"Kung ikaw ay isang tao na natanggap na ang ganung lifestyle, tingin mo ay ito na ang para sa akin, hindi na ako makiki-commitment then you're fine," Cruz says. "But kung ikaw ay isang tao na naghahanap ng long-term relationship, to be with someone to have sex with na itong tao lang na ito forever, then it can affect you kung lagi ka na lang nasa culture na iyon, lagi ka na lang naghahanap ng different partners because the time and effort that you spend having sex with different partners takes time away from you looking for someone that you can be romantically inclined to and to be with." 

For 30-year old Marty Ocaya, a youth pastor for the Christ's Commission Fellowship, sex is only for people who are married.

"'Yun 'yung goal ni God eh. The reason why he created that so that man and woman will experience intimacy and unity na sila lang, na faithful," he says.

Ocaya, who's been married for over eight years, discourages young people from premartal sex. "I always tell young people na parehong difficult 'yan: Difficult when you wait kasi nga nagstru-struggle ka kasi nga gusto mo na gawin," he says.

"Mahirap din kapag nagawa mo na kasi may mga consequences. Pwedeng nagawa n'yo pero hindi pala kayo... nagawa mo tapos nabuntis ka, nakabuntis, grabe din 'yung consequences, o nagawa mo tapos nagkasakit ka, lifetime consequence yun," Ocaya adds. "So parehong masakit, pero mas manageable ang pain when you wait."

For Cruz, whatever your beliefs or values may be when it comes to sex, it's always important to protect ourselves and be responsible for our bodies.

"You have to know and be sure before you get into any sexual encounter or any sexual relationship ready ka dito at buo ang loob mo na pumasok sa ganitong klaseng relation," she says, reminding everyone that before entering any sexual relationship, you and your partner have to respect each other. —Kaela Malig/JST, GMA News