Recent research indicates a decline in sexual activity among men and women aged 18 to 24, with a particular focus on men. This shift in behavior may be influenced by factors beyond conventional reasons like moral values, pregnancy fears, or access to adult content online.
A study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that approximately one in three men between the ages of 18 and 24 reported no sexual activity within the past year. The research, led by Dr. Peter Ueda, a postdoctoral researcher at the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, highlights a noteworthy increase in past-year sexual inactivity among men in this age group, rising from nearly 19 percent to almost 31 percent between 2000-2002 and 2016-2018.
Conversely, sexual inactivity among women within the same age bracket remained relatively consistent, with an increase from 15 percent to 19 percent during the same time span.
The study also reveals a substantial decrease in sexual activity among both men and women aged 25 to 34 years old (7 percent versus 14 percent among men, 7 percent versus 12 percent among women). However, sexual activity remained stable among adults aged 35 to 44 years old.
Furthermore, fewer adults reported engaging in sex on a weekly basis or more frequently.
Unmarried, economically disadvantaged, and either unemployed or engaged in part-time employment were more likely to report no sexual activity in the past year compared to their counterparts who were married, had higher incomes, or held stable jobs.
Dr. Peter Ueda, who led the study, suggests that this trend may signify challenges faced by a segment of the population in establishing themselves within society, the job market, and potentially even the dating scene, both in the United States and elsewhere.
Furthermore, the research reveals a decline in sexual frequency, even among individuals who are sexually active. Ueda notes that while the average sexual frequency among sexually active individuals may reflect their personal priorities and preferences, sexual inactivity could indicate a lack of intimate sexual relationships, carrying different implications for both individuals and society.
These insights were derived from responses provided by 4,291 men and 5,213 women participating in the U.S. General Social Survey spanning the years 2000 to 2018.
Delayed Adulthood Could Play A Role
In an accompanying commentary for the survey findings, Dr. Jean M. Twenge, a psychology professor at San Diego State University, pointed out that similar declines in sexual activity have been observed in surveys conducted in Great Britain, suggesting that this trend is not exclusive to the United States.
Dr. Twenge suggested that young adults might be engaging in less sexual activity because they are taking longer to transition into adulthood. This shift encompasses not only the postponement of sexual activity but also other aspects related to mating and reproduction, including dating, cohabitation, pregnancy, and childbirth.
Furthermore, these reproductive trends are not occurring in isolation; they are part of a broader cultural shift towards delayed development. For instance, adolescents in the 2010s were less likely to engage in activities such as driving, consuming alcohol, going out without parental supervision, and part-time employment compared to previous decades.
Dr. Jeffrey Jensen Arnett, a research professor at Clark University and the originator of the concept of “emerging adulthood” (defined as the period from the end of adolescence to the onset of adult responsibilities like stable employment, marriage, and parenthood), noted that it’s not just young men experiencing a decrease in sexual activity compared to a generation ago—young women are also part of this trend. He explained that this decline aligns with an overall shift towards less risky behaviors since 1990, encompassing not only sexual activity but also alcohol consumption, risky driving, and criminal activity.
Distractions from Digital Media
Dr. Twenge suggested that the issue likely isn’t related to pornography, as research indicates that pornography users tend to have more active sex lives. Instead, she proposed that the vast array of entertainment options available on the internet and through digital media, in general, may be diverting the attention of young individuals away from forming real-life relationships.
While internet platforms and social media theoretically offer easier ways to connect with potential sexual partners, the time spent online has supplanted what was once dedicated to face-to-face social interaction. Dr. Twenge explained, “With entertainment accessible 24/7 and the allure of smartphones and social media, sexual activity may have lost some of its appeal. In essence, the late evening now presents a multitude of entertainment choices, leaving fewer opportunities for initiating sexual encounters if both partners are engrossed in social media, video gaming, or binge-watching.”
Nancy Sutton Pierce, a clinical sexologist, suggested that the prolonged decline in male testosterone levels over the decades could also contribute to decreased sexual activity. Additionally, she mentioned that the #MeToo movement may be playing a role.
Dr. Pierce pointed out that women now feel more empowered to both consent and decline, becoming less tolerant of coercion and forced sexual encounters. She also noted that a decrease in unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases could be viewed as positive outcomes associated with the decline in sexual activity.
The Impact of COVID-19
The measures imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as quarantines and physical distancing requirements, are expected to further contribute to the prevalence of sexual inactivity, at least in the short run.
Dr. Ueda noted that if the rise in sexual inactivity is partly influenced by unemployment and reduced income, the economic challenges associated with the pandemic are unlikely to improve the situation.
Furthermore, the lockdowns and concerns regarding disease transmission may not create the ideal conditions for individuals to seek out new partners, as Dr. Ueda pointed out.
Nancy Sutton Pierce added, “I believe the entire world is experiencing a decrease in sexual activity due to COVID.”
Impact on Well-being
The study’s findings may extend beyond the realm of sexuality.Dr. Ueda raised an important question: to what extent is sexual inactivity linked to dissatisfaction? While some individuals may actively choose to be sexually inactive, for others, it could be a source of distress.
He emphasized that sexual inactivity, along with potential dissatisfaction related to it, appears to be sensitive subjects, possibly more so than discussions about sex itself. While there has been significant effort to foster open and nuanced dialogues about sex and sexual activity, there is room for improvement in addressing the topic of not having sex. Dr. Ueda stressed the need for better public discourse on this matter.
The Definition of Sex
Dr. Kristen Mark, a sex and relationships researcher and the director of the Sexual Health Promotion Lab at the University of Kentucky, pointed out a crucial aspect of the study. While it measures sexual inactivity based on the question, “About how often did you have sex during the last 12 months?”, it does not provide a clear definition of sex.
Dr. Mark explained that participants might interpret the terms “have sex” and “sex partners” differently, with some considering vaginal intercourse or relational partners and others including activities like oral sex or mutual masturbation.
She suggested that it’s possible that young men are engaging in less vaginal intercourse but not necessarily having less sexual activity overall. This could imply an increase in sexual diversity and greater acceptance of various forms of sexual expression.
Cyndi Darnell, a clinical sexologist and sex therapist, concurred with this perspective. She emphasized that heteronormative assumptions about what constitutes “real sex” often define the discussion. However, considering a broader range of sexual activities, such as sex with other genders, masturbation, oral sex, and anal sex, might lead to different conclusions. Instead of young men having less sex, the data could indicate that they are engaging in more pleasure-focused sexual experiences that go beyond traditional heteronormative norms.