Gen Z-ers Are Ditching Sex. They Might Be On to Something.

Z世代放弃性爱。他们可能发现了什么。

The Opinions

2026-07-22

43 分钟
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单集简介 ...

Data shows that Gen Z is in a sex recession. Technology, #MeToo and a growing emphasis on platonic relationships are reshaping how many people think about sex. As anxiety grows over falling birthrates and changing behaviors, Nadja Spiegelman, a Times Opinion culture editor, speaks with the journalists and researchers Carter Sherman and Christine Emba about why this shift might not be such a bad thing. Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com. This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Vishakha Darbha. It was edited by Kaari Pitkin, Alison Bruzek and Annie Galvin. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud. Video editing by Steph Khoury. The postproduction manager is Mike Puretz. Original music by Pat McCusker. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The director of Opinion Video is Jonah M. Kessel. The deputy director of Opinion Shows is Alison Bruzek. The director of Opinion Shows is Annie-Rose Strasser. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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  • Men are getting dating advice that is also really negative about women.

  • You know, like all women are on OnlyFans.

  • Women can't be trusted.

  • Women only want to date men who are, you know, tall, rich and handsome.

  • And if you're not one of those.

  • Six four blue eyes and works in finance.

  • Yes.

  • We're in a sex recession.

  • Americans are having less sex than ever before, especially Gen Z. The number of young people

  • who say they haven't had sex in the past year has roughly doubled

  • since 2010. And that data has caused a lot of worry.

  • The record level decline last year is leading to fears there may not be enough children to sustain the next generation.

  • But when asked what was more important to them than regular sex,

  • many Gen Zers replied, Gen Z would rather have a good night's sleep than sex.

  • I've been celibate for two years.

  • I've never felt this much peace.

  • It really opens up like a new level of thinking in your mind.

  • It means no dating, no romance, nothing.

  • For a full year.

  • And I was thinking today, I did sort of have the realization,