{
  "id": 9143274,
  "title": "The state of sex among Gen Z: Is the sex recession real?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/the-state-of-sex-among-gen-z-is-the-sex-recession-real",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-22T13:00:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Phys.org",
    "slug": "phys-org",
    "url": "https://phys.org/news/2026-09-state-sex-gen-recession-real.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A recent Kinsey Institute survey of 2,373 U.S. adults aged 18-29 sheds light on the so-called \"sex recession\" among Gen Z. Despite moderate to high sexual desire, many young adults report low levels of sexual activity. One in four say digital interactions like online messaging and AI companions fulfill some of their intimacy or emotional needs, while 28% feel spending time on screens reduces their motivation for in-person sexual connections. Financial concerns, dating exhaustion, fear of rejection, and shifting social norms are making connections more challenging. Only 35% typically use condoms, and about a third have never been tested for STIs. While Gen Z may be having less sex, their sex lives may not always be as safe as assumed.",
  "summary": "The Kinsey Institute surveyed 2,373 U.S. adults ages 18–29 to understand attitudes and behaviors behind the so-called sex recession and how young adults are navigating sex, dating and relationships today.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}