“Gen Z’s Sexual Repression in ‘I Want Your Sex'”

Minor spoilers for I Want Your Sex are included below.

In a noteworthy scene from Gregg Araki’s film I Want Your Sex, the main characters engage in a dialogue reminiscent of a heated TikTok debate. The twenty-something Elliot (Cooper Hoffman) and his boss Erika Tracy (Olivia Wilde) delve into the complexities of Gen Z and their relationship with sexuality.

Having recently graduated, Elliot has just begun his career under the mentorship of Erika, a renowned artist known for challenging societal norms through her provocative work. At the film’s outset, Elliot is trapped in a loveless relationship with his girlfriend, Minerva (Charli XCX).

Following this discussion, they embark on a secret BDSM relationship, although at this stage, their connection is primarily charged with sexual tension.

Erika, who is 14 years older than Elliot, criticizes Gen Z for being uptight, claiming they prefer watching pornography and playing video games over engaging in real sexual experiences.

Elliot counters that sex is a complicated matter for Gen Z. They feel a lack of safety and comfort around intimacy—making eye contact is challenging, and sexual encounters can feel daunting. Parents and educators have often shielded them from uncomfortable circumstances.

Erika dismisses his argument, labeling Gen Z’s attitude towards sex as “retro.” (Later on, Elliot fantasizes about her branding his generation as whiny, repressed “weaklings.”)

The conversation echoes a broader cultural narrative: Gen Z appears to be engaging in sexual activity less frequently than previous generations. Millennials were the pioneers of dating apps like Tinder and the architects of hookup culture, while Gen Z seems to be stepping back from casual sex.

But is Erika’s claim accurate? Is Gen Z genuinely repressed? Mashable consulted experts to explore this question, and the findings reveal a more complex picture than anticipated.

What Factors Contribute to Gen Z’s Decreased Sexual Activity?

It is overly simplistic to label an entire generation as whiny and repressed, yet some validity exists in Erika’s assertions. The 2024 General Social Survey conducted by NORC, a nonpartisan research organization at the University of Chicago, indicates that 24 percent of individuals aged 18-29 did not engage in sexual activity in the past year, a figure that has doubled since 2010.

While the GSS data has its limitations, as previously discussed by Mashable in its 2021 report, it aligns with various other studies indicating sexual inactivity among young adults. Researchers are taking note of this trend.

“When we analyze historical data from previous generations over time, a significant pattern emerges,” remarked Sara Vasilenko, doctoral program director and associate professor in the Human Development and Family Science department at Syracuse University.

The teen birth rate has also seen a sharp decline in the last three decades. In 1991, the birth rate for mothers aged 15 to 19 was 61.8 per 1,000 births; by 2023, it had plummeted to 13.1.

“In the 1990s, there was considerable concern about adolescent and young adult sexual behavior and a high incidence of pregnancy,” Vasilenko noted. “Since then, we have seen a downward trend.”

This decline does not stem from a single source.

Differences in parenting styles across generations may play a role. Gen Z children experienced less autonomy compared to older generations. Aspects such as their “home range” (the distance they can travel unsupervised), access to outdoor activities, and time spent with friends have all diminished over the last few generations. With less opportunity to socialize, young people have fewer chances to develop relationships that could lead to sexual encounters, according to Vasilenko.

This has contributed to the characterization of young adults as “generation stay-at-home,” with many being less likely to obtain a driver’s license or consume alcohol.

Research indicates that Gen Z spends significantly more time on social media than previous generations, reinforcing the adage that “it’s the phones.”

“While I hesitate to say, ‘It’s merely because Gen Z is glued to their phones,’ the correlation between these trends is undeniable,” stated Carter Sherman, author of The Second Coming and cohost of The Guardian‘s Stateside with Kai and Carter podcast.

A recent working paper published in June 2026 suggests that the iPhone has inadvertently acted as a form of “birth control.”

Vasilenko pointed out that there is limited data on how the type of content Gen Z consumes online affects their sexual attitudes. It’s plausible that exposure to online pornography shapes these attitudes and may even serve as a substitute for sexual experiences. A survey by LADbible found that 70 percent of Gen Z men indicated their first encounter with sex was through porn.

Electra Rayne, a sex worker and educator who created and manages the sapphic porn site QueerCrush.com (link is NSFW), argued that “porn often becomes a scapegoat, receiving blame for a myriad of societal issues.”

Rayne noted that criticism of her work—and pornography in general—often originates from younger audiences. She perceives a growing puritanical sentiment that views sex and desire negatively.

“While I’m uncertain of the origins of these beliefs, I do observe a pervasive and rapidly spreading notion that sex is bad,” she commented, adding that current legislation surrounding age-verification laws exacerbates this issue by demanding ID or biometric data for access to explicit content.

Vasilenko also speculated about how algorithms influence sexual attitudes. Different content could be shown to men and women, shaping their understanding of relationships and sexuality in ways that complicate healthy interactions. One algorithm may promote incel and traditional wife narratives, while another highlights #MeToo discussions and the reversal of Roe v. Wade.

“When individuals are socialized through these divergent pathways, it may affect their views on relationships and intimacy, leading to discrepancies in attitudes,” she explained.

The absence of comprehensive sex education is another factor that could shape perceptions about sex. As of 2025, only 19 states mandated medically accurate information on any topic related to sexual health.

Understanding the Consequences of Reduced Sexual Activity

We are still uncovering the implications of these changes, Vasilenko stated. Many of these implications may not be negative. From an adolescent health perspective, the decline in unintended pregnancies among teenagers is a positive development.

Current research indicates that engaging in sexual activity at an “off time,” meaning outside the norm relative to peers (such as at a very young age), can correlate with adverse mental health outcomes. Vasilenko questions whether a decline in sexual activity will lead to fewer instances of sexual experiences being associated with negative health outcomes for those who do engage in sex.

Many young adults are postponing significant life milestones, such as moving out, purchasing homes, getting married, and starting families. This trend is influenced not only by technology but also by economic factors and the rising cost of living. As these life events are delayed, it stands to reason that relationships and sexual experiences might also shift to later stages in life.

Rethinking Gen Z’s Sexual Landscape

Angie Rowntree, a sexologist and founder of the adult site Sssh.com, cautioned against making broad generalizations based on these statistics.

Before concluding that young adults are simply less interested in sex, she suggested several important questions: Are they experiencing increased loneliness or stress? Are they spending more time online and finding fewer opportunities for in-person connection? Are financial pressures hindering their dating, socializing, and relationship-building? “All of these factors can significantly influence the frequency of intimacy and relationships,” she pointed out.

Gen Z has grown up in the digital age, resulting in unparalleled access to sexual content and discussions about bodies. The negative effects of social media on teens’ body image are well-documented.

“Numerous interviewees for my book shared that they felt social media intensified their discomfort with their bodies,” Sherman recounted.

The rise of far-right ideologies on social media complicates the landscape. “There is a concerted effort to make it challenging, if not perilous, for individuals to engage in sex that is queer, unmarried, or non-procreative, and this presents a daunting reality for Gen Z,” Sherman remarked. “When we criticize Gen Z for their sexual activity, we must consider the political climate they are navigating.”

While the internet undeniably shapes Gen Z’s sexual experiences, it is not solely negative. Increased awareness surrounding consent and personal agency is a significant advantage. “Gen Z appears more inclined to question content that feels performative or disconnected from genuine pleasure and human connection,” Rowntree observed. Social media also provides a supportive platform for LGBTQ youth to connect and build community.

Sherman expressed surprise at the progressive sexual attitudes of many Gen Z individuals she interviewed, noting their openness to diverse interpretations of sex and gender and their acceptance of BDSM and non-monogamous relationships.

Embracing Sexual Freedom as Gen Z

Despite the positives associated with internet access, Rowntree acknowledged that virtual discussions about sex do not equate to fostering intimacy in real life. Both she and Rayne stressed the importance of candid conversations about sex as a pathway to liberation.

Exploring sexuality, whether solo or with a partner, is essential. “The more individuals understand their own bodies and preferences, the better equipped they are to communicate with their partners,” Rowntree explained.

Ultimately, sexual freedom is a personal journey. It is not defined by frequency of sexual encounters, number of partners, or adherence to societal standards. Each person should have the autonomy to determine what feels right for them, free from the constraints of cultural expectations.