- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Wed, 18 Dec 2024 05:12 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The winter season has already arrived, and with it come cozy vibes, lazy nights and twinkling lights along with a surprising dating trend ‘snowmanning’. The trend might sound fun and playful but could lead to serious health problems that are bigger than just a heartbreak. Here’s all you need to know about snowmanning, why experts are worried about it and how it can be prevented.
What Is Snowmanning
Snowmanning is a viral dating trend that may sound the same as ghosting but comes with a more drastic end. The trend happens during the festive season, when someone starts dating another person during Christmas or New Year parties, and ends it with the season's end or sometimes as early as the party ends.
The term comes from the idea of temporary winter fun, leaving the other person feeling cold and abandoned when it ends, much like a snowman that melts as soon as the sun comes.
Origin Of Viral Dating Trend
The trend has flooded the social media, with people sharing memes and stories with fun or sad endings about how their date ended. The term was introduced in 2019 but became the buzzword of this holiday season.
(Image generated using AI)
Why Are Experts And Doctors Worried About The Dating Trend?
A recent UK survey found that one out of five British people have been a victim of snowmanning. According to the survey, 24 per cent of people become part of this Christmas or New Year fling. 15 per cent people admit that they made an impulsive decision of snowmanning after consuming alcohol at parties while 11 per cent declared loneliness to be the reason.
Experts have raised concerns over the viral dating trend as they believe that the heartbreak might not come alone, but with harmful sexually transmitted diseases. According to last year's National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) data, 3.14 million people suffered from HIV/AIDS in India.
“December is a time of celebration and connection, but it’s important to stay informed about sexual health. Planning ahead with contraception, or accessing support after unplanned sexual activity, is key to enjoying the festive season while staying safe,” Daily Mail cited Dr Crystal Wyllie, GP at Asda Online Doctor.
How STDs Can Impact Lives
Sexually transmitted diseases could be dangerous in the long term for a person's health if they remain untreated. They can cause serious issues like chronic illness, infertility, organ damage and increased risk of cancer along with emotional distress and social stigma.
How Can You Protect Yourself
If you don't want to be in the victim list of the trend, here are few steps you can follow:
- Be clear with what you want from the relationship and be upfront about what you are looking for in the relationship.
- To avoid STI and other diseases, always use contraceptive methods to reduce the risk and avoid physical connections wherever possible.
- If you are surfing through a heartbreak, don't sit idle and work for your mental well-being, spend time with your friends and stay happy.