Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture cover image

Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture

Cultural Update: Why is Dating Dying in Younger Generations? Porn is Becoming More Popular than Real Relationships, The App Store Enables New Age Restrictions on Downloading Certain Apps, An Australian Blood Donor Saves Thousands!

Mar 21, 2025

Eric Tannis, a colleague at Talbot School of Theology, discusses the decline in romantic relationships among younger generations, unpacking fears of emotional intimacy and digital distractions. He addresses the troubling trend of pornography overshadowing real connections, emphasizing its emotional impact. Tannis advocates for stricter digital protections for minors, calling on tech companies and parents to take action. The conversation also features an inspiring story about James Harrison, an Australian donor whose rare antibodies saved countless newborns, highlighting the power of selfless giving.

59:07

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Quick takeaways

The decline in dating among Gen Z is largely driven by fears of emotional intimacy and societal pressures surrounding safety.

The rising preference for pornography over actual relationships among young men signals a concerning trend affecting human connections and intimacy.

There is an urgent need for digital gatekeepers to protect minors from harmful online content and foster responsible parental monitoring.

Deep dives

Decline of Romantic Relationships Among Youth

The decline in romantic relationships among high school and college-age students is attributed to a significant drop in dating participation. Research shows that only 56% of Gen Z adults have been in a romantic relationship during their teen years, compared to significantly higher percentages in previous generations. Teachers have noted that students who date less often tend to exhibit better leadership and social skills, alongside reported lower symptoms of depression. The anxiety surrounding vulnerability and fears of rejection, exacerbated by societal factors such as dating app safety and concerns around sexual assault, contribute to Gen Z's hesitance toward forming romantic connections.

1.

Intro

6min

2.

Navigating Love and Community

9min

3.

Pornography and the Crisis of Connection

12min

4.

Protecting Youth in a Digital World

8min

5.

The Power of Selfless Giving

21min

6.

Navigating Challenges in Marriage and Sexual Health

4min

Decline of Romantic Relationships Among Young People – Dating among high school and college students is decreasing due to emotional intimacy fears, digital distractions, and safety concerns, highlighting the theological importance of relationships.

Rise of Pornography Over Real Relationships – Many young men now prefer pornography over romantic relationships, leading to emotional desensitization, weakened human connections, and the need for a biblical approach to sexual purity.

Need for Digital Gatekeepers for Screens and Social Media – Easy access to harmful online content poses risks to minors, prompting discussions on parental responsibility, tech company policies, and legislative efforts to enforce stricter digital protections.

Inspirational Story: The Man with the Golden Arm – James Harrison, an Australian blood donor, saved thousands of newborns with his rare antibodies, exemplifying selfless service and humanitarian impact.

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Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, which offers degrees both online and on campus in Southern California.

Find all episodes of Think Biblically at: https://www.biola.edu/think-biblically.
Watch video episodes at: https://bit.ly/think-biblically-video.

To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at thinkbiblically@biola.edu.

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