Psychology Today | 06.10.2026 21:34
For decades, consent education has emphasised two simple principles: No means no, and sexual activity requires a voluntary and informed "yes." Yet recently reported behaviour from college campuses raises an uncomfortable question. What if some individuals are hearing that message very differently? What if, instead of viewing consent as a way of understanding another person's wishes, they merely view it as a hurdle to overcome before they’re able to get on with what they actually want to do? Under this mindset, the focus shifts away from whether the other person genuinely wants the sexual activity and moves toward securing just enough agreement to proceed.
