A total of 2,373 Gen Z volunteers participated in the study conducted in the US. More than half of the participants were young Gen Zs (between 18-24 years of age), the rest were among the older end of the generation (25 to 29).
39% of the participants said that “the cost of dating limited their opportunities for sex or romance.” Meanwhile, around 43% said that ongoing inflation makes it harder to date overall. With 53% of the respondents being reported single.
74% of the Gen Zs report “moderate to very high sexual desire.”
Despite strong desires, more than 67% participants said there’s no opportunity to meet someone, and 60% said they’re too afraid of rejection to even try.
The survey reports that around 29% had no sexual partners in the previous three months, while 19% had never had a sexual partner. Despite this, 74% of single Gen Zs reported moderate to very high sexual desire.
The findings suggest that lower sexual activity does not necessarily mean lower sexual desire among Gen Zs.
The survey findings point to several factors, including economic pressure, dating exhaustion, fear of rejection, social changes and digital activity.
Around 34% of the male respondents said that porn has completely replaced the need or desire to be involved in a real world physical relationship. With some even saying that sometimes they would even choose a virtual experience over getting involved with a partner.
The survey also found that 38% said digital sexual content, including pornography and erotic media, fulfills some of their sexual needs, while 32% said they sometimes choose digital or solo sexual experiences instead of partnered sex.
Studies from other surveys show that this generation also prefers drinking less and going to fewer parties, which is actually a good thing, but these numbers also prove that this generation is socially isolated.
Generation Z isn’t shy talking about sex. They talk about it openly online or among their peers. However, they are not very comfortable speaking about the topic with elders, especially their parents. Instead of having such awkward confrontations and questions from their parents about their whereabouts, they prefer avoiding getting involved in dating and sexual encounters.
According to a June 2026 report from Realtor.com, around 25.2 million adults under 35 years of age lived with their parents in 2025. A record high that exceeded pandemic-era levels.
The same report mentioned that 70% of the people surveyed were employed, hence being employed doesn’t mean you can afford a house anymore. Where you live also plays a role in your sexual life because many Gen Z don’t want their private lives to be discussed among family members.
The “The State of Sex Among Gen Z” survey also found a direct link between financial concerns and dating and sexual activity. Around 43% said financial concerns make it harder to date or maintain romantic relationships, while 37% said financial stress has negatively affected their sex lives. Around 39% said money concerns make them less likely to pursue or engage in romantic or sexual activities.
The survey does not suggest that all Gen Zs are unhappy about having less sex. Around 55% were satisfied with their sex lives, while 18% were dissatisfied. Around 21% wanted more sexual activity.
The respondents were also divided on whether a “sex recession” exists. About half did not think there was a sex recession, around a quarter said there was one, and the rest were unsure. The survey therefore suggests a complicated picture of lower sexual activity despite continued sexual desire, with financial, social and digital factors playing a role.
(Rh/MF/MSM)