Why Are Younger Americans Having Less Sex? Technology Could Be Playing a Role
In recent years, studies have documented a notable trend: younger Americans are engaging in sexual activity less frequently than previous generations. While the reasons behind this shift are complex and multifaceted, new insights suggest that technology—and particularly exposure to the internet and pornography—may be significantly influencing young people’s sexual behaviors and attitudes.
This topic is explored in-depth in Carter Sherman’s new book, The Second Coming: Sex and the Next Generation’s Fight Over Its Future, which draws from interviews with over 100 young adults. Sherman, who covers reproductive health for The Guardian, reveals how the digital age is reshaping intimate relationships in unexpected ways.
The Impact of Pornography on Sexual Expectations
Many young people Sherman interviewed expressed concerns about how their exposure to online pornography has complicated their sex lives. “This was something that really surprised me,” Sherman said, noting a recurring theme: pornography had blurred the lines between typical consensual sex and rough sex involving acts such as hitting and choking. For several interviewees, there was a sense of pressure to engage in behaviors they were either uninterested in or found uncomfortable—often without clear consent.
One such voice is 28-year-old Davante Jennings, who told NPR about growing up with the internet and the unrealistic sexual expectations it fostered. “People’s bodies are people’s bodies,” Jennings explained. “Everyone isn’t, you know, perfectly sculpted out… sexual experiences are a little more awkward starting out.” He pointed out that pornography frequently downplays foreplay and varies greatly from the realities of physical intimacy. Through his own experiences, he learned that communication and understanding different partners’ preferences are crucial, describing the process as “a lot of trial and error,” where “the best teacher is life.”
The Role of Violent and Misogynistic Images Online
Additional research supports these findings. Studies conducted by various organizations across the political spectrum suggest that exposure to increasingly violent sexual images at younger ages is contributing to reluctance toward sex. Debbie Herbenick, a professor at Indiana University’s School of Public Health who studies the internet’s effect on young people’s relationships, explains that some youths receive the message that sex is harmful or inherently rough, leading many to avoid it altogether.
Sherman observed similar sentiments among her interview subjects. One woman expressed interest in sexual relationships but feared that potential partners would mirror the misogynistic attitudes prevalent in certain online communities. “That, frankly, was really saddening to me,” Sherman said, “because it felt like she had to close off a part of her life, a part of the potential exploration out of fear.”
The Internet’s Dual Role: Challenges and Opportunities
Despite these challenges, the internet also plays a positive role for some young people, especially those seeking information on sensitive topics they might hesitate to discuss with parents or teachers. Sherman highlighted its significant benefits for LGBTQ youth, for whom the internet can be a revolutionary space providing acceptance, community, and a sense of belonging.
Nonetheless, Sherman emphasizes the need for a more critical understanding of the internet’s influence on young people’s sexual lives. “I don’t know that we can get rid of phones or we can decrease internet use in a meaningful way,” she said. Instead, she advocates for awareness and mitigating the negative side effects of digital consumption. “It just feels like we’ve accepted social media and phones and the internet in our lives without having a lot of questions or regulation around these issues.”
Looking Ahead
As young Americans navigate their sexual identities and relationships in an increasingly digital world, experts urge society to consider how technology shapes expectations, behaviors, and emotional well-being. The conversation sparked by Sherman’s book and related research invites reflection on how to foster healthy, consensual, and fulfilling sexual experiences for the next generation amid the pervasive presence of the internet.
This article is based on an NPR interview with Carter Sherman featured on Weekend Edition Saturday and includes insights from related public health research.
