Gen Z and Sex: What The New York Times Reveals — and What It Means for Our Practice
Yes, this topic has been everywhere this week: The New York Times spoke with Opinion editor Nadja Spiegelman, as well as journalists Carter Sherman and Christine Emba, about the so-called “sex recession” among Generation Z.
The finding is quite clear: Young people between the ages of 13 and 28 are having significantly less sex today than previous generations did at the same age. This is not an isolated finding, but a trend that has been confirmed by several studies.
Three factors stand out in particular:
- Technology & social media
- MeToo awareness
- Platonic relationships
These are three of the factors identified in the NYT discussion as contributing to the decline.
What is important for us as gynecologists is that this change is not necessarily negative. Less pressure and greater self-determination can be a relief for young patients.
But one thing is also clear: the need for guidance remains. Contraception, sexual health, and education about the body, consent and personal boundaries continue to be important — regardless of how often someone is sexually active.
Our conclusion: We approach this change calmly, with open ears and without judgment. Anyone who has questions about sexuality, contraception or relationships is always welcome to have an open conversation with us.
Source: “The Opinions,” New York Times Opinion, discussion with Nadja Spiegelman, Carter Sherman and Christine Emba.
