Netflix & Chill? Why the ‘sex recession’ is hitting Gen Z hard

It is the great paradox of our time: we are more connected than ever before. A simple swipe to the right opens the door to potential encounters, social media constantly bombards us with notifications, and the smartphone has become a natural extension of our hand. Yet, whilst the virtual world is buzzing with activity, the lights are going out more and more often in bedrooms. Researchers are categorical: the global ‘sexual recession’ is a very real phenomenon, and, paradoxically, it is young people from Generation Z and the millennials who are suffering the most.

Whereas the bed was once a sanctuary of intimacy and togetherness, it is now the screen that glows in the dark. Why does your mobile phone ultimately have more action than you do? And how can we free desire from its digital isolation? An analysis of the figures and the psychology behind this phenomenon.

The raw figures: The great retreat from the bedroom

The common misconception that today’s young adults lead a wild romantic and sexual life is a myth that the statistics have largely dispelled. Data published by the Institute for Family Studies paints an indisputable picture:

• The dramatic decline: In 1990, 55 per cent of adults reported having sex at least once a week. By 2024, this figure had fallen to just 37 per cent.
• The crisis in relationships: Traditional cohabitation is also going through a period of turbulence. The proportion of young adults aged 18 to 29 living under the same roof as a regular partner has plummeted, falling from 42 per cent to 32 per cent in the space of just ten years (between 2014 and 2024).

These figures prove that this is not a temporary dip but a profound transformation of our society. We are going through a genuine period of sexual recession.

The culprits: mobile phones, social media and the dopamine trap

Why is desire waning when, in theory, the biological conditions of youth are at their peak? Research points to three major factors that dominate our daily lives: mobile phones, social media and intensive gaming.

1. Endless distraction before sleep

In the past, distractions in bed were limited. We’d chat, read a book or get close to each other. Today, the smartphone is the last thing we touch before falling asleep and the first thing we reach for upon waking. Endless scrolling on TikTok or Instagram floods our brains with dopamine (the hormone of instant gratification) every second. The problem? Sexual arousal requires patience, presence and connection. Faced with the quick and effortless dopamine rush of a viral video, real interaction in bed often loses out.

2. More ‘Netflix’, far less ‘Chill’

Streaming platforms have revolutionised our evenings. Instead of seducing our partner, we give in to the temptation of ‘just one more episode’. This phenomenon of ‘Revenge Bedtime Procrastination’ – which involves putting off bedtime to squeeze in a bit of free time after a stressful day – means we’re simply too tired for intimacy.

3. Isolation behind screens

As young people are less likely to live with others and social interactions are becoming increasingly digital (via video games or messaging), the ability to initiate physical closeness has weakened. The fear of rejection is growing, whilst opportunities for genuine romance are dwindling.

How to reclaim our bedroom: Our tips

The ‘sex recession’ isn’t inevitable. However, reversing the trend requires conscious choices to recreate spaces for intimacy.

• A screen-free bedroom: Get into the habit of banning screens for the 30 minutes before bedtime. Charge your phone out of reach of the bed.
• Prioritise quality over quantity: Plan proper one-on-one evenings where computers and streaming services are strictly off-limits.
• Use sex toys as a bridge: When your libido is low after a busy day, innovative sex toys, such as the Womanizer pulsating air stimulators or the high-tech Arcwave masturbators, can help break down psychological barriers in a playful way, whether on your own or with a partner. They stimulate the senses and reprogram the brain to ‘pleasure’ mode rather than ‘scrolling through screens’.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about sexual recession