Why Gen Z Is Having Much Less Sex Than Their Grandparents 2026

Why is Gen Z having much less sex than their grandparents? A new study suggests the answer may lie in the economy. The concept of a "sex recession" is not new, but it remains surrounded by unknowns. For some time, voices have warned that Gen Z is mired in an inexplicable sexual drought that distances them from their parents and grandparents.

The question is: why? New ways of understanding intimacy? Difficulty finding a partner? In the US, a group of researchers set out to answer these (and other) questions in a study commissioned by Playboy. They spoke with nearly 2,400 young people between 18 and 29 about the reasons why they apparently have less sex than their elders.

Is there really a sex recession?

Several studies suggest that today's young people experience their sexuality differently from their parents or grandparents. For example, the US National Survey of Family Growth shows that the number of virgins between 22 and 34 has doubled in just a decade. The percentage of men and women who acknowledge not having had sexual relations in the past year has also increased, and the number of those who have not had a partner in recent months has skyrocketed.

If we take another survey, the General Social Survey (GSS), also focused on the US, we see that weekly sexual activity among adults has fallen 18% since the early 1990s, with a more pronounced decline among those under 30. And it does not seem to be a purely American phenomenon.

What the new study reveals

The Playboy-commissioned study dug deeper into the reasons behind this decline. While the full findings are still emerging, the research points to a combination of factors, with economic pressures playing a central role. Young people today face high housing costs, student debt, and uncertain job prospects, all of which can strain relationships and reduce opportunities for intimacy.

But it's not just about money. The study also explored how technology, changing social norms, and the pandemic have shaped Gen Z's approach to sex and dating. Many young people report feeling anxious about intimacy or prefer to focus on their careers and personal goals before pursuing relationships.

Key factors behind the decline

• Economic instability: High living costs and debt make it harder to afford dates or maintain relationships.
• Technology and social media: Increased screen time and online interactions may replace physical intimacy.
• Changing social norms: Greater acceptance of diverse sexualities and relationship styles may lead to different patterns.
• Mental health: Rising rates of anxiety and depression can affect libido and social engagement.
• Pandemic aftermath: Lockdowns disrupted social lives, and some young people have not fully re-engaged.

The economic angle: a deeper look

Economists have long noted that financial stress can impact personal relationships. When young adults struggle to pay rent or find stable work, they may delay moving in with partners, getting married, or even going on dates. The high cost of living in cities often forces people to live with roommates or parents, reducing privacy.

Moreover, the gig economy and precarious work schedules can make it difficult to maintain regular routines, including social activities. The study likely highlights how these economic realities create a feedback loop: less money leads to less socializing, which leads to fewer opportunities for sex. The background to this story is set out in Trending: latest articles. A related thread runs through Lenovo Idea Tab Pro Gen 2 Review: The Android Tablet That Works.

What this means for society

The decline in sexual activity among young people has broader implications. It could affect birth rates, relationship formation, and even mental health. If economic factors are a primary driver, then policies that address affordability and job security might help reverse the trend. Earlier coverage in Amazon Prime Day 2025: Best Early Tech Deals Today, September 28 shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in How to Ditch US Tech and Embrace European Alternatives.

However, it's also possible that Gen Z is simply redefining intimacy. With more open discussions about consent, asexuality, and diverse relationship models, the decline in sex might not be a crisis but a shift. The study's findings will likely spark further debate on whether this is a problem to solve or a new normal to accept. Anyone following the wider picture can start with New Dinosaur Discovery in China: Long Claws, Tiny Teeth. The same theme surfaces in Why Gen Z Is Having Much Less Sex Than Their Grandparents, which takes a different angle.

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