Social media fueling hookup culture in Nigeria — Whykay

By Ayo Onikoyi

Nigerian actress, singer and content creator Whykay has attributed the growing prevalence of hookup culture among young people in Nigeria to the influence of social media, economic hardship and changing societal values.

Speaking in an interview with Potpourri, the entertainer, whose real name is Adeyinka Ogunjimi, said the concept of hookup culture in Nigeria has evolved beyond casual dating into what she described as transactional relationships driven by various social and economic factors.

“In the Nigerian context, hookup culture has gone beyond normal dating. It is generally defined as short-term, transactional sexual encounters between individuals who are not looking for a serious relationship,” she said.

According to Whykay, worsening economic conditions have played a significant role in the trend, with some individuals viewing such arrangements as a means of survival or a way to sustain a desired lifestyle.

“With high inflation and unemployment, some people view hooking up as a survival strategy or a way to maintain a certain lifestyle,” she explained.

The actress also pointed to peer pressure and the influence of social media, arguing that online platforms often promote luxurious lifestyles that many young people feel compelled to emulate.

“Social media portrays a high-end lifestyle that many young people feel pressured to achieve by all means,” she said.

Whykay further noted that shifting attitudes toward relationships and sexuality have contributed to the phenomenon, citing what she described as a gradual departure from traditional conservative dating norms toward more Western and individualistic perspectives.

Her comments come amid ongoing debates about the impact of social media, economic realities and evolving cultural values on the behaviour and aspirations of young Nigerians.

The entertainer’s remarks have added to wider conversations about the challenges facing young people in a rapidly changing social and economic environment, particularly as they navigate relationships, financial pressures and societal expectations. 

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