As the weather is getting warmer, Binghamton University students are shedding their winter layers and preparing for the summer months. With less clothing and a weaker desire to commit because of the impending summer separation, is it true that college students get “spring fever” and hook up more often this time of year?
Human sexuality professor Justin Garcia is in the process of collecting data on college hookups. But as of now, there is no substantial evidence to prove that hooking up occurs more frequently during spring.
“We haven’t seen any major seasonal patterns in our data thus far. It is possible, but as of yet no one has really investigated this,” Garcia said. “However, there has been a lot of interest over the years on what is called ‘seasonal breeding’ — there are some very minor changes over the course of the year, but unlike many other animals, humans are not seasonal breeders. In fact, our willingness and ability to have sex across different seasons and even across a female’s cycle is one of the ways in which human sexuality is distinct in the animal kingdom.”
Although Garcia does not believe there is a link between hooking up and the spring season, he does admit to the unscientific tendencies for college students to have heightened sexual desires as the weather becomes warmer.
“Often in summer there are more activities to do, we are outside more and interacting with others, we are enjoying the positive benefits of warm weather and sunshine [including better mood],” Garcia said. “Not to mention that when on the beach or sunning by the pool, exposed and barely dressed, many people may feel tempted to confront their erotic desires with the abundance of sun-kissed flesh around them. Summer can often get us out the door and looking around.”
Michael Elenterio, an undeclared sophomore, thinks that weather does affect hookup patterns among college students.
“Yes, I think people hook up more often when the weather is nice than when it’s cold or raining,” Elenterio said. “[It’s] because it’s nicer out and easier to go around campus.”
Shaina Fischer, a sophomore double-majoring in psychology and Spanish, agrees with Elenterio but said the weather specifically affects your mood.
“I feel like more people hook up in the spring because the weather is nice, they are outside hanging out, laying out and everyone gets in a happier mood when it is nice out,” Fischer said. “In the winter, when it is cold, people want someone to keep them warm. In the summer, everyone wants a guy to go to the beach with and have a summer fling with. It may not be a relationship, but they want someone to hook up with and be with.”
Melanie McCullough, a freshman majoring in English, believes there is less pressure for a commitment with summer right around the corner.
“If you are in the hookup buddy zone then there usually isn’t commitment right away, but eventually it leads to the question of if there should be commitment or exclusivity,” McCullough said. “[When] ‘spring fever’ hits, people tend to want to have fun and enjoy.”