Social networking sites: The new window for hook-ups?

Forget reconnecting with old pals on social networking sites — the trend now is finding new ones to hook up with casually. Thanks to these sites, more people — across genders and age groups — are logging on to look for their next sizzling session between the sheets.

Ravi Gupta*, who works with an MNC, was new to the city, and even though he'd made friends at work, he didn't know anyone socially outside of it. Ravi added people on FB from the city in the hope of making new friends. "I started flirting with a couple of girls and they were also into it. I took things forward and asked a girl to meet me for a drink. I was surprised when she suggested we meet at her house instead. We hooked up that night and she later revealed that she was married and that her husband was out of town. But it wasn't awkward, as neither of us was looking for a relationship," says Ravi.

To make things easier, there's the 'Bang With Friends' app, which lets you find FB friends who are equally interested in getting down and dirty. The app works in a simple way — you browse through photos of FB buddies and choose the person you are interested in. If that person also happens to pick you, both of you get a notification. The rest is left to the users.

Ask Ajay Rao*, an event planner, about the app and he says, "It's super shallow, but it sounds like fun." Would he ever turn to such an app? "Maybe. The dating scene has changed drastically over the past few years. Girls are still coy when you meet them at a club or through friends, but they shed their inhibitions online. I've hooked up with a few girls through FB, and it's been great. It's clear that there are no expectations of a relationship. It's just about two adults satisfying their needs," he adds.

Social networking sites and apps have liberated people, feels sexologist Vivek Jain. "Casual sex was not common before as finding willing partners was not easy. Things have changed since the advent of social networking sites. I don't see anything wrong with casual sex as long as both partners are willing, know there are no emotions involved, and use protection," says Vivek.

Interestingly, it is around festival time that hook-ups are at an all-time high among teenagers and young adults. "Parents give children a free hand during festivals, especially Navratri, and this is when youngsters make the most of it and indulge in sex. When parents come to me with complaints of their children having sex, I tell them that they must explain the pros and cons of casual sex and teach them about protection. Since the sexual drive begins in adolescence, you can't stop your kids from having sex," says Vivek.