Sex recession? Study finds young adults having less sex

By Stephen Beech

Young adults really are having less sex with almost three in 10 not having hooked up in the last three months, reveals new research.

And nearly one in five 18- to 29-year-olds (19%) have never had sex, according to the study.

But a similar number have had 10 or more partners.

However, only 18% of the young people surveyed said they are "unsatisfied" with their sex life.

In fact, the majority (55%) were satisfied with their sex life, especially those in relationships (73%)

Just under half (45%) of those who'd had sex in the last three months did so with one partner, but 3.7% had 10 or more partners in the same period.

Just under a third of participants (31%) in a romantic relationship reported having sex once to three times per week.

And while Gen Z may be having less sex, when they do it is not necessarily safe as only just over a third (35%) report usually using condoms.

Researchers found that around one in three have never been tested for a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

The Kinsey Institute surveyed 2,373 American adults, aged 18 to 29, to understand attitudes and behaviors behind the so-called sex recession.

The findings are based on a large, quota-based sample design to capture diverse experiences.

Camilla Peterson, of the Indiana-based Kinsey Institute, said: "The Gen Z sex recession appears to be real.

"Most young adults report low levels of sexual activity, despite moderate to high sexual desire.

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"The survey found 29% had zero partners in the last three months and 19% had never had a partner.

"But many are not particularly distressed by it.

"Only a minority report dissatisfaction with their sex lives, suggesting that sex may be less central to overall well-being than many assume.

"The issue appears to be opportunity, not desire."

Dating exhaustion, fear of rejection, financial strain and changing social norms may be making connection more difficult, according to the findings.

For 43%, financial concerns made it harder for them to date or maintain romantic relationships, while for 37%, financial stress has negatively affected their sex life.

But romance isn't dead with nearly half the participants (49%) kissing every day, with those in relationships kissing most often (72%).

The study also suggests that young adults are increasingly meeting their intimacy needs in other ways.

Peterson said: "Digital connection, online sexual experiences, friendships, and other forms of fulfillment may be reducing the pressure to pursue traditional romantic relationships."

The findings showed that about one in four young adults reported online interactions — such as messaging, social media or AI companions — fulfill some of their intimacy or emotional needs.

More than one in four (28%) said that spending time on screens or digital activities reduces their motivation to pursue in-person sexual connections.

Just over a third of young adults (35%) said they typically using condoms, while around a third had never been tested for STIs.

Peterson added: "Contraceptive use is often inconsistent, many have never been tested for STIs, and perceptions of access do not always translate into protective behaviors."