Reasons Young People Are Choosing to Forego Sex

The comedy film No sex please – we’re British. debuted in 1973, featuring a predominantly young cast and a plethora of double entendres. Fast forward fifty years, and the title seems more relevant than ever, especially among younger generations. A notable decline in sexual activity among teenagers and young adults has been observed over recent decades. For more insights, check out what’s happening in the UK.

According to the General Social Survey, a longstanding sociological project, 12 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds in the United States reported not engaging in sexual activity in 2010. By 2024, this figure has doubled.

Similar trends are apparent in high-income nations such as Australia and Germany. Japan stands out in this trend, with recent reviews indicating that about half of its populace has limited sexual experience until their mid-20s. This phenomenon could contribute to Japan witnessing more deaths than births, as projected by then-Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who labeled 2024 a “quiet emergency.” So, what’s triggering this situation, and is it genuinely an emergency?

Kay Wellings of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine notes that the frequency of sexual activity is always in flux. In the 1950s, many people postponed sexual relations until marriage, but the introduction of contraceptives in the 1960s spurred a “buzz” around guilt-free sexual experiences. The AIDS crisis in the 1980s shifted attitudes once again, leading to more cautious behaviors, but the 1990s seemed to herald a return to a more open approach.

A definitive cause for the current decrease in sexual activity remains elusive. Some experts suggest that today’s challenging economic landscape hinders young people’s independence. By 2023, 18% of individuals aged 25 to 34 in the U.S. lived with their parents—up from 9% in 2000. “Living at home doesn’t typically create the ideal setting for sexual activities,” states Luke Branning from the University of Leeds, UK.

High youth unemployment rates, especially in regions like the UK, could partly elucidate why many young individuals seem to be experiencing increased sexual inactivity. This relative decline is notably pronounced among men, with studies indicating that unemployment or low income elevates the chances of sexual inactivity. “A man’s financial situation shouldn’t enhance his attractiveness, yet research shows this trend is prevalent,” remarks Peter Ueda from Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.

Rising alcohol consumption could also render young people more inhibited. A study by Gallup revealed that the percentage of Americans aged 18 to 34 who consume alcohol has dropped from 72% to 62% in the last two decades. Conversely, the proportion of those aged 55 and older who drink surged from 49% to 59%. “This change is seen as ‘generationally sensitive’,” Wellings explains. “Young people drinking less correlates with less sexual activity.”

Additionally, technological advancements may have led to a shift in interactions. A study indicated that younger individuals might prioritize digital communication over face-to-face interactions. While digital encounters facilitate connections, sexual activity typically necessitates physical closeness. “Gen Z is often dubbed the most connected yet loneliest generation, as they engage primarily through screens,” states Natasha McKeever from the University of Leeds. “Such circumstances may exacerbate anxieties regarding personal interactions.”

While dating apps have simplified the process of connection, they have existed since the early 2010s and haven’t necessarily driven up sexual activity among young individuals. “These applications don’t inherently promote sexual encounters; their design often encourages repeated engagement with the app,” says Andrus Colt from the University of Galway, Ireland. Presently, an increasing number of users are choosing to log off, with studies hinting at a link between dating app usage and rising levels of depression and anxiety .

Mental health issues may also be a significant factor in declining sexual activity, as noted in a report by The Lancet Psychiatry, which cautions that young people might be entering a perilous phase regarding these challenges. “If individuals are feeling low, they may lack the motivation for sexual encounters,” Branning asserts. This anxiety can become self-perpetuating—”the less sexual experience one has, the more daunting the act may become,” McKeever adds. “So, for those who haven’t engaged in sexual activity for an extended period, the desire might still be there, combined with anxiety about the experience.”

For many, this decline raises concerns, given that sexual activity is linked to improved health and enhanced quality of life, with roughly half of women and two-thirds of men expressing a desire for more sexual encounters . “A decline in sexual activity suggests that increasing numbers of people are struggling to find meaning and value in their lives,” asserts Lyman Stone of the Virginia Family Institute.

Conversely, some individuals argue that young people aren’t adversely affected by this trend, as many appear content with their circumstances. A study surveying straight Japanese men aged 18 to 39 showed that approximately half of unattached individuals are disinterested in romantic relationships. “Today’s youth are likely more engaged in work opportunities than ever before,” McKeever observes. “There’s an expanded array of travel possibilities and career paths available. Sex is just one of many fulfilling aspects of life.”

Shifts in societal attitudes may also account for the decreasing stigma surrounding those who choose not to engage in sexual activity. McKeever notes that rising awareness around consent, influenced perhaps by the #MeToo movement, could lead to more young people feeling comfortable identifying as asexual. “In the past, many felt that having sex was a necessary milestone or something to prove one’s worth. Now, I believe youth today possess a greater understanding of personal choices.”

Understanding how sexual behaviors have evolved among youth is limited by data challenges. Responses may vary significantly based on question formats—be it verbal, online surveys, or influenced by societal taboos. “In environments with a lot of stigma, individuals tend to underreport their experiences. Conversely, if sexual activity is viewed positively, there’s a likelihood of overreporting,” explains Wellings. Additionally, study outcomes often vary in how they define gender and the youth demographic.

Moreover, volunteer bias complicates the reliability of findings. Certain demographic groups are more inclined to participate in research, resulting in findings that may not accurately represent the general population. “The online demographic often skews towards younger, childless individuals,” adds Stone.

Regardless of precise statistics, researchers agree that young people today engage in sexual activity less frequently compared to older generations at the same age, similar to trends observed in Japan, where this has occurred alongside historically low birth rates in places like England and the U.S..

As the number of births declines, can we classify this phenomenon as a societal emergency? “No, historical patterns suggest that activity levels will rebound as conditions evolve,” states Colt. “The decline in youth sexual activity isn’t an endpoint for humanity,” he concludes.

“I find no convincing evidence that this situation signifies a crisis,” McKeever remarks. However, if policymakers are genuinely concerned about declining sexual activity, they should consider solutions. “Engaging in less sexual activity than previous generations may demonstrate a broader issue of alienation. Politicians ought to address these challenges—sexual activity tends to follow as a natural consequence,” Colt asserts.