They are the generation that came of age with dating apps such as Tinder and Bumble, while social media has remained just a tap away.
Yet despite having unprecedented access to digital connection, new research suggests Gen Z is experiencing a “sex recession.”
Researchers surveyed 2,373 adults between the ages of 18 and 29 to examine how young people are approaching sex, dating and romantic relationships today.
The findings showed that this age group, which includes Gen Z, reported relatively low levels of sexual activity, even though many participants said they had a moderate to high sex drive.
Nearly three in 10 respondents, or 29 per cent, said they had not had a sexual partner in the previous three months. Another 19 per cent said they had never had a partner at all.
A 25-year-old man told researchers, who conducted the study in collaboration with Playboy: “People my age are having less sex because they are meeting less people in person.”
Another participant said: “It’s hard to hook up with someone if you’re too scared to even talk to anyone.”
Rather than pursuing traditional relationships, many young adults said some of their needs for intimacy are being met through social media and artificial intelligence (AI) companions.
A new survey found that Gen Z is experiencing a sex recession, with 19 per cent of respondents saying they had never had a partner
Many Gen Z respondents said social media and AI companions were meeting some of their intimacy needs
The study, conducted by the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University, found that although many young adults were having less sex, they did not necessarily appear troubled by the trend.
“Only a minority report dissatisfaction with their sex lives, suggesting that sex may be less central to overall wellbeing than many assume,” the researchers said.
Only 18 per cent of those surveyed said they were dissatisfied with their sex life.
According to the researchers, the main barrier appears to be a lack of opportunity rather than a lack of desire.
“Dating exhaustion, fear of rejection, financial strain and changing social norms may be making connection more difficult,” the team said.
Financial pressure was a significant factor. Forty-three per cent said money worries had made it more difficult to date or maintain a romantic relationship, while 37 per cent said financial stress had harmed their sex life.
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The researchers said young adults are increasingly finding alternative ways to meet their emotional and intimate needs.
“Digital connection, online sexual experiences, friendships, and other forms of fulfilment may be reducing the pressure to pursue traditional romantic relationships,” they added.
About a quarter of respondents said online interactions—including messaging, social media and AI companions—fulfilled at least some of their intimacy needs.
A similar proportion said time spent on screens reduced their motivation to seek sexual connections in real life.
A previous study found that nearly four in 10 people aged 18–30 reported having no sexual partners during the last 12 months, up from 22 per cent a decade earlier
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‘Many participants told us that pornography, camming, AI companions, and other forms of digital intimacy fulfilled at least some of their emotional or sexual needs,’ the researchers said.
‘At the same time, many described these experiences as easier, less emotionally demanding, and more accessible than pursuing intimacy with another person.’
Despite having less sex, the sex they have is not necessarily safer, the researchers warned.
Contraceptive use among Gen Z is often inconsistent, they said, and many have never been tested for STIs.
Only 35 per cent reported typically using condoms and approximately a third said they had never been tested for an STI.
‘Modern-day dating really is an absolute mess, not because Gen Z has stopped wanting love, sex, or connection, but because the journey from desire to intimacy has become more complicated than ever,’ the researchers concluded.
According to a separate study, Gen Z is also shunning alcohol in favour of a cup of tea.
Conducted by Twinings, the survey found that almost half (47 per cent) of Gen Z say tea has replaced alcohol as the thing they reach for before big moments. In contrast, just 25 per cent of Baby Boomers say the same thing.