Sex on campus: Duke University

When asked about the hookup culture, students' responses ran the gamut. Some took the stance of "live and let live," while others said, "They really need to stop that sleeping around." Some told me that it is not the norm for students, whether male or female, to have sex whenever and wherever they feel like it, with whomever and however they so desire. Students say that the vast majority are having sex in monogamous relationships or not at all.

But it is no longer unusual to see one-night stands depicted in music, film and television. It is no longer considered aberrant for a woman or a man to speak openly about having sex with someone who is not a significant other, let alone a spouse. This does make for a new sexual revolution, especially on college campuses where the combination of alcohol and youth become excuses to do anything.

Some hook up simply because it feels good in the moment. It feels good to be touched, caressed, desired and perhaps penetrated. For some students, college is the most vulnerable and freeing time, and in the bedroom they are perhaps uniquely free from the pursuit of perfection on campus. It is a place of escape and pleasure. Some substitute sex for intimacy or love. But all in all, they are seeking some external source to satiate some internal hunger.