It's Been a Minute Gen Z is afraid of sex. And for good reason.
Jul 11, 2025
Carter Sherman, a reproductive health and justice reporter at The Guardian, discusses why Gen Z is having less sex. She highlights how societal shifts, including the Me Too movement and the COVID-19 pandemic, contribute to their anxiety about intimacy. The impact of digital culture and misinformation creates fears around unintended pregnancies and societal judgment. The conversation also examines the complexities of masculinity and the influence of incel and femcel cultures, revealing how these dynamics reflect broader societal issues.
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Gen Z's Sex Recession Explained
- Gen Z is having less sex than previous generations but they are not less interested in sex.
- Many young people outsource their sexuality exploration to the internet due to missed social experiences like prom during COVID.
Pandemic Shift in Sex Ed Impact
- Changes in sex education during the pandemic caused some parents to push back against comprehensive sex ed.
- This backlash contributes to a demonization of sex and discourages healthy sexual exploration.
Me Too's Effect on Young Sexuality
- The Me Too movement's emphasis on consent created anxiety around sex but lacked focus on sex as pleasure.
- Navigating ambiguous feelings and desire became more difficult for young people.