Now that I am well into my sophomore year of college, I think it is safe to say that I have a decent understanding of how my campus works.

Yes, there absolutely is a difference in the food at each of the dining halls, the gym closes earlier on weekends, and the new Dunkin' Donuts will almost ALWAYS mess up your order. However, one thing I have yet to fully grasp an understanding of is the hookup culture here at Binghamton.

While I understand how the idea of casual intimacy is appealing to a college student, people fail to understand a "hookup" is a lot more complex than we think...and has a monumental influence on mainstream thought.

1. The stigmatization of feelings prevents people from being honest with one another.

Trying to manipulate feelings is never beneficial, especially when it comes to muting them; don't catch feelings, don't get jealous, don't get upset. While I like to think the stigmatization of feelings in hookup culture has no bias, more often than not they are gendered geared.

For women, amplified feelings are considered to be "psychotic" or "crazy."

And similarly, men are "too sensitive" or "wimpy" if they are overly emotional. By assigning a negative connotation to basic feelings it reinstates the idea that having any type of feeling is a bad thing. It is ideas like these that contribute to the sexism in society today. By altering our perspectives we can drastically simplify our general understanding of feelings.

2. Being overly sexual isn't a good idea, man or woman.

There is a fine line between being a prude and being sex-crazed. I think it is important for people to freely embrace their sexuality.

But, how much sex is too much sex? Women who have too much sex are "easy" or "sluts," and men who do the same are "players." Firstly, I think any type of labeling for having sex is pointless. Secondly, this type of labeling shows men to be congratulated for something that is meant to be shameful for a woman. There are distinct double standards within the realm of sex, and the sooner they are eliminated the easier it will be to drift away from superficial values like labels.

Sex is sex. Doesn't matter who is doing it, or how often, it's natural.

3. Social norms, like partying and dating apps, have numbed our ability to communicate.

Communication is the basis to any healthy relationship. It is especially important to note that in a college setting, communication is one of the most important parts of a hookup culture. Whether it is face-to-face, text, Facebook, or even Tinder, make sure that your partner understands your comfort levels and makes them a priority!

Being able to gauge your own comfort in situations is crucial to ensuring that no one crosses any boundaries, and by introducing drugs and alcohol suddenly this simple concept of communication becomes significantly more difficult.

Now I'm not saying don't go out and have a good time, because partying is one of the best parts of college, just recognize that communication while under the influence is not the same as sober communication.

So, no, I don't think its the best idea to address your sexual boundaries on state street.

4. Unrealistic beauty standards are a big contributor.

It does not help that photoshopped images circulate throughout social media daily, and probably contributes to the huge role physique plays in people's ability to be intimate. Remember that you do not need to have wash-board abs, or curves and a tiny stomach to hookup with somebody.

Try and separate yourself from these unrealistic standards and rationalize your thinking. Just have fun and learn to love yourself in the process!