They are the generation that grew up with online dating apps such as Tinder, Bumble and social media at their fingertips.
But despite all that, a study has revealed Gen Z is in a sex recession.
To understand how young adults are navigating sex, dating and relationships today, researchers surveyed 2,373 adults aged 18 to 29.
They found that this age group, which includes Gen Z, reported low levels of sexual activity – despite a moderate to high sex drive.
The survey said 29 per cent had zero partners in the last three months and 19 per cent had never had a partner at all.
One 25-year-old man told the researchers, who worked in collaboration with Playboy: ‘People my age are having less sex because they are meeting less people in person.’
Another added: ‘It’s hard to hook up with someone if you’re too scared to even talk to anyone.’
Instead, many said their intimacy needs are already being met – through social media and artificial intelligence (AI) companions.
TikTokers bts.mulli and karniel.g urge their fans not to lose their virginity
Lots of Gen Z said their intimacy needs are already being met, through social media and AI companions
The study, carried out by the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University, revealed that many did not seem particularly distressed with the sex recession.
‘Only a minority report dissatisfaction with their sex lives, suggesting that sex may be less central to overall wellbeing than many assume,’ the team said.
‘Only 18 per cent are unsatisfied with their sex life.’
The researchers said 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,’ they said.
‘For 43 per cent, financial concerns made it harder for them to date or maintain romantic relationships and, for 37 per cent, financial stress has negatively affected their sex life.’
Young adults are increasingly meeting intimacy needs in other ways, they explained.
‘Digital connection, online sexual experiences, friendships, and other forms of fulfilment may be reducing the pressure to pursue traditional romantic relationships,’ they added.
Around a quarter said online interactions – such as messaging, social media and AI companions – fulfil some of their intimacy needs.
A similar amount said spending time on screens reduces their motivation to pursue real-life sexual connections.
A previous study found that nearly four in ten people aged 18 to 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.
It comes as some social media influencers, including TikTokers bts.mulli and karniel.g, urged their fans not to lose their virginity.
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.
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