In recent years, data has revealed a significant decline in sexual activity and romantic intimacy among Generation Z, a phenomenon often described as a “sex recession.” This trend, observed across multiple surveys and studies, points to profound shifts in attitudes and behaviors surrounding sex and affection among young adults.
According to research, approximately one in four Gen-Z adults report having never engaged in sexual intercourse. Additionally, the proportion of young people who have not had sex in at least a year has doubled over the past decade, rising from 12% in 2010 to 24% in 2024. This decrease in sexual encounters is paralleled by a reduction in romantic affection, such as kissing. A recent YouGov survey found that more than a third of British adults kiss less frequently than they did five years ago, with those aged 18 to 24 often expressing anxiety around the timing and performance of kisses. Around 27% within this group believe that kissing is becoming less common, and nearly 20% have not been kissed in over a year.
Experts suggest that multiple factors contribute to this phenomenon, including the pervasive influence of technology, shifts brought about by the #MeToo movement, changing political and social climates, the growing emphasis on platonic and digital relationships, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health challenges such as anxiety, use of medication, and a sense of “heteropessimism” regarding traditional romantic and sexual roles.
This decline in sexual frequency and intimacy has found expression in contemporary cinema, where filmmakers appear to be responding to or reflecting the changing landscape of Gen-Z’s romantic lives. A number of recent films explore themes of sexual repression, disconnection, and the complexities of desire under new social conditions. One such film, "One Night Only," imagines a dystopian scenario where premarital sex is permitted only one night per year. Another, "The Invite," examines a sexually stagnant married couple and their provocative engagement with neighbors through partner swapping. Meanwhile, "I Want Your Sex" focuses on a young adult navigating ambiguous sexual and artistic identities.
A particularly notable contribution is the film "Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma," written and directed by indie filmmaker Jane Schoenbrun and starring Gillian Anderson. The movie blends elements of queer identity, horror, and eroticism as it follows Kris (played by Hannah Einbinder), a filmmaker revisiting a slasher franchise that inspired her own “queer awakening.” The story delves into themes of control, desire, and the complex relationship between art and sexuality, challenging conventional notions of intimacy. Anderson’s character, Billy, embodies a lost era of raw physicality contrasted with the intellectualized and often disconnected experiences of younger generations.
The film’s exploration of “flesh and fluids” networks directly with contemporary realities where many young people report difficulties in connecting bodily and emotionally, often retreating into mental spaces or digital world interactions rather than physical intimacy. Yet, despite these trends, moments of spontaneous connection persist. Observations of young couples kissing in public places, such as cinemas themselves, highlight that while intimacy may be more fraught or less frequent, it has not disappeared entirely.
These cultural reflections underscore a broader conversation about how shifting social dynamics, mental health challenges, and evolving attitudes toward gender and sexuality are reshaping the intimate lives of younger generations. Whether these changes mark a temporary phase or a lasting transformation remains open to interpretation, but they undeniably signal a departure from previous norms around romantic and sexual engagement.