New 'snowmanning' trend raises STI transmission concerns

Medical professionals are raising concerns about potential health risks associated with "snowmanning," a seasonal dating behavior where relationships end abruptly after holiday festivities conclude.

Dr. Crystal Wyllie, a general practitioner at Asda Online Doctor, warns that this trend could increase the spread of sexually transmitted infections, particularly when partners fail to exchange contact information.

"December is a time of celebration and connection, but it's important to stay informed about sexual health," Wyllie told the Daily Mail. "Planning ahead with contraception, or accessing support after unplanned sexual activity, is key to enjoying the festive season while staying safe."

The term 'snowmanning' was first coined by the dating platform eHarmony in 2019 for its similarity to how snowmen melt away. It describes situations where holiday romances dissolve once seasonal celebrations end and initial attraction fades.

Rachael Lloyd, a relationship expert at eHarmony, explained the phenomenon to the Mirror: "Christmas is a time for celebration and presents a great opportunity to socialize and find someone special. However, once the drinks stop flowing and decorations come down, sometimes that initial burst of chemistry wears off. Our research shows that lots of people then retreat from their new relationships, a trend we are coining 'snowmanning.'"

According to medical professionals, the primary health concern stems from the inability to notify former partners about potential infections when contact information is not exchanged. This communication barrier can impede proper medical treatment and the prevention of disease spread.

Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates an overall decline in STI rates across the United States, with cases dropping nearly 2% from 2022 to 2023. Gonorrhea cases decreased by 7.7%, while primary and secondary syphilis cases fell by 10.7% during this period.

The trend exists alongside other winter dating behaviors, including "sledging," where individuals maintain relationships through the holidays with predetermined plans to end them after New Year's. Claire Rénier, head of communications for dating app Happn, described this practice to the Daily Star as potentially harmful, noting, "This can be toxic and a red flag. It plays with people's emotions and fosters short-term satisfaction."

Another related pattern, known as "winter coating," involves rekindling previous relationships during cold months, similar to retrieving a familiar piece of winter clothing.

The emergence of these dating patterns highlights evolving social behaviors during holiday periods and their potential impact on public health. Health officials continue to monitor these trends while promoting awareness of sexual health resources and preventive measures.