Let’s talk about sex. Well, not really the act itself, more so the ways in which society’s obsession with it has made Cupid’s job that much harder. We’ve all heard the saying “sex sells,” but we never talk about how it kills. Yes, you read that right; sex kills, but not like Michael Myers or Ghostface. 

To be honest, it’s not even the act itself that kills but rather the fixation with it. That fixation has given birth to hookup culture and, as a result, negatively impacted the way we view and engage in relationships. 

Before anyone gets defensive, in no way am I saying that having a friend with benefits or casually hooking up with someone is wrong. I’m simply saying that the prevalence of such things is why romance is dead.

Back in the day, if someone had a crush on you, they’d write Shakespearean poetry for you or court you with beautiful flowers. Nowadays, you’re simply spammed with likes and sent Instagram DMs stating something along the lines of “You fine, ma” or, a fan favorite, “You bad.” 

I mean, what’s going on? 

Courting was a requirement in the good ol’ days. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t to say that those who actively courted people in the past didn’t have the same intentions as the sneaky link seekers nowadays, but I’m pretty sure the courters at least wanted a relationship out of it. 

I can’t talk about hookup culture without acknowledging its roots: hypersexualization. It doesn’t take a team of psychologists and a peer-reviewed study to see that your extreme horniness may be tied to the fact that you’re lonely. 

Yes, you’re always in the mood because you have no one. That sounds dark, but I don’t intend it to be. I get it; it’s hard to be alone sometimes. But hey, hobbies exist. 

All jokes aside though, hypersexualization is an actual issue, and I wish it were talked about more. People are starting to think their worth is contingent on the pleasure they can provide and/or their physical appearance. 

Surely this is a factor in the relationship drought.

Could it also be that people are afraid of relationships? It’s plausible. After all, we live in a society that applauds people for being cheaters, liars and manipulators. 

And as a result, sex is now viewed as easily accessible and meaningless, when it should be something intimate or sacred.  

It’s starting to make sense why people don’t often pursue relationships, but regardless of your views on sex, I think we can all agree that Cupid’s work schedule isn’t as busy as it used to be. He probably hasn’t used that bow and arrow in ages thanks to our generation.

But don’t be sad; all isn’t lost. You’ll find your person.

In the meantime, focus on yourself. All the love that you’re dying to give to someone else, hold onto it, and if you’re out here settling for love… don’t. Keep your head up queen/king/royal person. 
Amyri Jones is a 22-year-old digital advertising and religious studies senior from Baton Rouge.