EMMA PIRHALA / MANAGING EDITOR

Hanky panky, nailing, jumping bones, knocking boots — whatever euphemism one prefers, one thing remains the same: this generation is not doing “it” nearly as often as their predecessors.

A recent study conducted by Indiana University’s Kinsey Institute, with the dating platform Match, came to the conclusion that Gen Z is choosing to have less sex than generations before.

Match and the Kinsey Institute drew 5,001 adults who use Match’s dating platform. However, the study only surveyed singles,  so the couple making out in the corner of a dorm party is not included  in the research’s analysis. The days of the one night stand seem to be sunsetting as celibacy eclipses the sexual horizon with 30% of Gen Z reporting to be intentionally abstinent. 

Some USD students were surprised by the results of the study. A USD sophomore, who wished to remain anonymous, explained that she presumed the statistic to be lower. 

“I was expecting a little bit lower,” the sophomore said. “But I do know a large amount of people my age who don’t have sex, although I feel like the majority does. I feel like people my age also talk about sex pretty frequently and openly, so I am a bit surprised at how high the number is.”

Compared to her own sexual habits, the anonymous sophomore felt that she has a positive relationship with sex.

“I’ve always seen sex as something enjoyable and something humans are meant to do,” she said. “So I don’t think that we should feel shame or shame others over it.”

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Sociology at USD Melissa James shared insight into why sexual activity may be dropping. Among the list, James shared, is the growing influence of technology and a more open understanding of gender and sexuality. However, the changing political climate is also impacting Gen Z’s sexual habits. 

“One of the other big things is the uncertainty around reproductive health,” James explained. “For women and those who can get pregnant, the overturn of Roe v. Wade has been huge. And so we see more people reporting that they’re afraid to have sex. [In my sexuality and gender classes] we’ll talk about attitudes and views of sex within college. And it’s weighed into the factor of not having sex because we don’t know that we’re going to have access to care, should we get pregnant… So that’s a really big piece of it too — the moment in time we’re in, there’s just so much pressure on Gen Z.”

Students echo these concerns of the shifting political environment USD junior, who wished for her identity to remain anonymous, shared her perspective.

“The gender gap widening, I think that could be definitely something that’s happened just like from a political viewpoint,” the anonymous junior said. “Like, I can see it. There’s a want to go back to more traditional norms and things.”

As the cost of living rises and employment rates fall, more and more Gen Zers are looking for stability — one way is through marriage. The study reported that Gen Z is the most interested in marriage compared to other generations, with 68% expressing a desire. Yet, 49% of Gen Z express wanting children in the future, which is lower than past generations at the same age. James explained how instability intersects with marriage and a want for children. 

“We do see trends across sociology of when things are really unstable, there’s a turn back to the traditional structures and things that people think will bring back that stability,” James offered. “The changing definition of marriage means that Gen Zers are showing that they are more interested in having deep connections and personal affection while being able to be independent but connected to others. And marriage is about that type of relationship, whereas in some previous generations, it was part of the plan. Get married, have children, buy a house, right? There’s this plan and it was much more about reproduction of children and the workforce and those sorts of things. And so now those two are disconnected in a lot of ways.”

Whether it’s fewer one-night stand or more intentional situationships, Gen Z’s sex life is evolving beyond what previous generations lived out. Between dating apps, economic stress and concerns about reproductive rights, hooking up is settling down and Toreros navigate sex as society shifts.

Gen Zers are having less sex than ever, ­and USD students shared their thoughts. Kyra Lefebvre/The USD Vista