The sex lives of young adults — or lack thereof — have been subject to scrutiny over the past few years. Much hand-wringing has occurred over whether Gen Z is sexually repressed, or whether there’s a “sex recession” happening.
Now, we have some new data about it.
In a study by the Kinsey Institute, Playboy, and emergency contraceptive brand Julie, “The State of Sex Among Gen Z,” the sex recession question is answered, but it’s not clean-cut. The report includes findings from 2,373 U.S. adults between 18 and 29. That breaks down into 48 percent men and 48 percent women, 63 percent heterosexual, 53 percent single, and 42 percent in relationships.
A major finding of the study is that the sex recession appears to be real, but it’s complicated. There’s no one explanation for why this is happening; economic, technological, psychological, and social factors all play a part. And while most young adults report low levels of sexual activity, they have moderate to high sexual desire.
Less sex, partnered or solo
Previous reports found that today’s young adults are having less sex than those of years past.
The State of Sex Among Gen Z found that 29 percent of participants had no sexual partners in the last three months, and 19 percent have never had a partner. Thirty-one percent aren’t sexually active.
Around a third (36 percent) haven’t even masturbated in the last three months.
Of those who have had sex in the last quarter, 45 percent had one partner. These findings are pretty consistent among different sexual orientations, except for gay participants; the number of them who’ve had one partner was 34 percent, and they reported having 10+ partners more than any other group at 13 percent.
While many may not be having sex or self-loving, they are kissing. Nearly half (49 percent) of all participants reported kissing nearly every day (this is more the case for those in a relationship, 72 percent, versus 29 percent of singles). Around a quarter (27 percent), however, reported zero kissing in that same time frame. Sad.
Most singles (74 percent), though, reported moderate, high, and very high sexual desire. So why aren’t they acting on it?
Why young adults aren’t having sex
The researchers didn’t just ask about sexual frequency — they dug into why. Two-thirds (67 percent) reported limited opportunities to meet potential partners. Sixty percent agreed that “dating is exhausting” and “not worth the effort.” Around the same number cited fear of rejection as a barrier.
Forty-two percent agreed with the statement “Sex is NOT a high priority for me right now.”
Other statements that many participants agreed on were that they haven’t met someone who met their standards, and that using dating apps feels exhausting (a common refrain in 2026).
Is it…the phones?
One reason attributed to the lack of sex, even from some experts, is: “It’s the damn phones.” The study didn’t have hard-and-fast findings about this, but it suggested that the internet might be meeting some of Gen Z’s sexual needs.
Overall, 38 percent of participants stated that digital sexual content, including pornography and erotic media, fulfills some of their sexual needs. (That number jumps up to 46 percent of men and 45 percent of single participants.) Around a third (31 percent) of overall participants stated that pornography reduces their interest in partnered sex.
Some are choosing online connections over physical ones. Thirty-two percent said they sometimes choose digital or solo sexual experiences instead of partnered sex, and 28 percent said spending time on screens (or digital activities) reduces their motivation to pursue in-person sexual connections.
Sex recession, economic recession?
It’s not all about the phones, though. Financial stress has negatively impacted the sex lives of 37 percent of all participants, and even more (43 percent) stated that financial concerns make it harder for them to date or maintain romantic relationships. The payment service Zelle found similar in its new Economics of Dating Report.
Slightly fewer participants (39 percent) said money concerns make them less likely to pursue or engage in romantic or sexual activities, and the same number of people said the cost of dating limits their opportunities to meet and maintain relationships.
The cost of living also affects whether young adults can live on their own, sending reverberations throughout other parts of their lives. Around a third (34 percent) live with parents, and nearly two-thirds of those (64 percent) reported zero sexual partners in the past three months.
(Some) satisfaction, guaranteed
Despite all of this, most participants (55 percent) were satisfied with their sex life, including 73 percent of those in relationships. Regarding young adults’ relationship with sex, the most common answer was that it feels fulfilling and consistent (32 percent). Nearly half of partnered participants said they’re having the amount of sex they want, compared to a third of singles.
Twenty-one percent, though, would like more sexual activity in their lives.
Fewer people are voluntarily celibate (13 percent), and five percent said their relationship with sex feels negative or frustrating. Most participants, however, viewed their sex lives as average (37 percent) or better than average (25 percent), with a quarter thinking it is below average.
Do young adults themselves believe there’s a sex recession? Half don’t, but a quarter said yes. The rest were unsure. Some actually believe they’re having more sex.
“I think people may be having slightly more sex than in the past because of innovations like dating/hook-up apps,” an anonymous participant wrote. “However, I don’t think people are having as much sex as is shown on TV or social media.”
The same participant also thinks the “sex recession” is multifaceted: “I think right now, many are struggling economically and socially and likely having less sex as a result.”
Another participant stated, “I think they might be having anywhere from the same amount to more, because of how open people have become and because technology has changed the whole sex scene in modern times.”
So, perception might be different from reality.
Check out other insights from “The State of Sex Among Gen Z” on Playboy’s website.
