Fresh Air Gen Z Is Having Less Sex. Why?
42 snips
Jun 23, 2025 
Carter Sherman, a reproductive health and justice reporter at The Guardian, discusses the surprising decline of sexual activity among Gen Z. She cites factors like miseducation, digital disconnection, and political pressures reshaping intimacy. Sherman shares insights from over 100 interviews with young people and experts, exploring how restrictive sexual education, particularly in conservative areas like Texas, impacts relationships. The rise of troubling attitudes, such as those found among incels, further complicates this landscape. Her book, The Second Coming, dives deeper into these themes.
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Viral Texas Student Speech
- Paxton Smith, a Texas high school valedictorian, gave a viral speech urging resistance against losing control of their bodies and futures.
- Her speech highlighted the real fears young women face due to restrictions on contraceptives and reproductive rights.
Pandemic’s Impact on Sex Ed
- The COVID-19 pandemic worsened sex ed access as many youths received no sex education during online schooling.
- Parental backlash against sex ed intensified during the pandemic, fueled by misinformation and political animosity.
Porn as Sex Education
- Porn acts as a de facto sex education for many young people in the digital age.
- Gen Z often feels negatively impacted by porn's influence on their sexual expectations and experiences.