Why the young have stopped having sex. It’s the curse of my generation, says LILY AMORY… and three very suprising and devastating causes behind it may not be what you expect
A dramatic shift is underway in the sexual habits of young people. While concerns about youth promiscuity were prevalent in the past – as evidenced by warnings from figures like Dr. David Morgan in 1962 – the current trend points to a significant decline in sexual activity, leading some to describe a “Great Sex Drought” or “Sex Recession.”
The Scale of the Change
Data from several countries reveals a consistent pattern. A recent YouGov poll in Britain indicates that 34% of individuals aged 18 to 24 are not sexually active, a rise from 28% in 2020. In the United States, approximately half of Gen Z – those born between 1997 and 2012 – report never having had sex, compared to just a quarter of millennials.
Japan presents a particularly striking example, with over half of single people aged 18 to 34 identifying as virgins – a significant increase from a third twenty years ago. Physician Peter Ueda estimates that 60% of Japanese men and 51% of women in this age group are currently sexually inactive, a trend reflected in terms like “soshokukei danshi” (herbivore men) and “sekkusu-banare” (drifting away from sex).
The Paradox of a Sex-Saturated Culture
This decline occurs despite living in a culture seemingly saturated with sexual content. Western societies have become increasingly tolerant of diverse expressions of sexuality, and access to explicit material – through platforms like OnlyFans and pornography – is readily available. Dating apps also promise easy access to casual encounters.
However, anecdotal evidence suggests a disconnect between this cultural landscape and the lived experiences of young people. Esme, a 23-year-old, described prioritizing time at home with family and consuming content on TikTok over pursuing romantic or sexual relationships. Maya, a 23-year-old graduate, noted a widespread sense of depression and “voluntary celibacy” among her peers.
Contributing Factors
Several factors appear to be contributing to this phenomenon. Increased internet and smartphone usage – with Britons spending an average of 4.5 hours daily online, and those aged 18-24 averaging six hours and 20 minutes – is displacing time previously spent in face-to-face social interaction. Studies suggest the internet accounted for 7-13% of the decline in teenage birth rates between 1999 and 2007.
The accessibility of online pornography is also cited as a potential disincentive to seeking real-world connections. Furthermore, a Children’s Commissioner report revealed that over a quarter of those aged 18 to 21 had seen porn online by age 11, with some exposed as young as six. This early exposure, coupled with increased rates of mental health conditions – affecting 25% of 16 to 24-year-olds in 2025 – and the potential side effects of antidepressant medications, may be suppressing sexual desire.
Social factors, such as rising rates of individuals living with their parents – 18% of Britons aged 25-34 in 2023, compared to 13% in 2006 – and concerns about harassment, also appear to play a role. Increased feelings of loneliness, with nearly nine in ten 20-somethings reporting such feelings, further underscore the challenges facing this generation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “voluntary celibacy”?
According to individuals like Esme and Maya, “voluntary celibacy” describes a conscious decision to abstain from sexual activity, often without societal judgment. It appears to be a growing trend among Gen Z.
How has internet usage impacted sexual activity?
Studies suggest that the arrival of the internet explained between 7 per cent and 13 per cent of the decline in the teenage birth-rate from 1999 to 2007. Increased time spent online displaces time spent in face-to-face social interaction, and the availability of pornography may reduce the desire for real-world encounters.
Are mental health issues linked to this trend?
Yes. Anxiety and depression are known to suppress sexual desire, and a significant proportion of young people (25% in 2025) report experiencing a mental health condition. Some medications used to treat these conditions may also reduce sexual interest.
What might happen next is uncertain. It is possible that these trends will continue, leading to further declines in birth rates and shifts in societal norms surrounding relationships and sexuality. Alternatively, a renewed emphasis on social connection and mental well-being could potentially reverse some of these patterns. However, the factors driving this “Sex Recession” appear deeply rooted in the current social and technological landscape.
Given these shifts in young people’s attitudes towards sex and relationships, how might society adapt to support their well-being and foster healthy connections?