Health experts are warning against a toxic dating trend that's making a comeback this holiday season. It's called "snowmanning." This trend, which was discovered by the dating site eHarmoney in 2019, involves people seeking out short-term connections during Christmas and New Year's typically to combat loneliness. However, once the holiday cheer fades, many abandon their seasonal flings by spring in search of something new.
Experts are concerned about the risks of unsafe sex during this time, as people may rush into relationships without truly getting to know their partners and put themselves at risk of exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Dr. Crystal Wyllie, a general practitioner at Asda Online Doctor, told the Daily Mail, that while folks may get a thrill out of engaging in naughty behavior during the holidays, there could be dangerous consequences if one fails to exchange contact details with the person they are seeing, leaving no way for one-time partners to alert each other if they develop symptoms of an STI.
"December is a time of celebration and connection, but it's important to stay informed about sexual health," Wyllie said. "Planning ahead with contraception, or accessing support after unplanned sexual activity, is key to enjoying the festive season while staying safe."
A 2004 study found that the risk of STIs during the holidays is heightened due to factors like exposure to new sexual networks, particularly during holiday parties, vacations, or gatherings with friends. Other contributing factors include frequent partner changes, lack of condom use, and alcohol consumption, which can alter sexual behavior.
U.S.-based health company, Everlywell, launched a survey to explore this troubling trend further. Examining 850 singles aged 18-44 in the U.S., the company found that 68% have casual sex while in town for the holidays. Additionally, 43% reported having more casual sex during the holidays than usual. When it comes to asking partners about STIs, 50% said they always ask before engaging in sex, 35% sometimes ask, and 15% never ask. Notably, 86% of respondents said they would inform their partner if they were exposed to an STI.
"Snowmanning" has become a popular holiday trend for a variety of reasons. As reported by The Mirror, according to eHarmony, 27% of Christmas get-togethers are fueled by the festive spirit, while 16% of people say they find others more attractive as the holidays draw near. For many singletons, the holidays can bring feelings of loneliness, and over half of them turn to short-term flings to fill that void. Interestingly, slightly more men than women admitted to indulging in these brief holiday romances.
According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2023, over 2.4 million cases of syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia were reported, including 209,000 cases of syphilis, 600,000 of gonorrhea, and 1.6 million of chlamydia. The total also included 3,882 cases of congenital syphilis, with 279 stillbirths and infant deaths. Overall, STI cases dropped by 1.8% from 2022 to 2023, with gonorrhea cases falling by 7.2%, while chlamydia rates remained largely unchanged.
However, caution is still necessary, especially if you're traveling abroad and planning to hook up during the holiday season. Condom use has been declining in certain countries, such as the UK, where only 20% of people report using condoms, official data from the UK Health Security Agency shows, according to the Daily Mail. This drop comes amid a dramatic rise in STI cases. The report notes that 401,800 STI cases were diagnosed in England last year, a nearly 30% increase from 2020. Gonorrhea cases surged by 7.5%, reaching 85,223, while syphilis cases climbed by 9.4%, totaling 9,513. Safe sex practices are still crucial to help combat this growing health issue.
Steer clear of "snowmanning" this holiday season, folks!