THE GREAT AMERICAN SEX RECESSION: WHY SEX IS IN DECLINE IN 2026

Curated by Artificial Intelligence

THE GREAT AMERICAN SEX RECESSION: WHY SEX IS IN DECLINE IN 2026

[American sex recession 2026] The United States is currently navigating a profound and unprecedented shift in human behavior that Sociologists have termed the "Great Sex Recession." Data from the most recent General Social Survey (GSS) and academic studies indicate that Americans across nearly all demographics are having significantly less sex than previous generations. This decline is not merely a statistical quirk but a reflection of a society reshaped by digital technology, economic pressures, and a burgeoning mental health crisis.

THE DATA: A STATISTICAL OVERVIEW OF THE DECLINE

The downward trend in sexual frequency has been accelerating for over three decades. In 1990, approximately 55% of U.S. adults aged 18–64 reported having sex at least once a week. By 2024, that figure plummeted to just 37%. The most acute decline is observed among young adults (ages 18–29), where the rate of "sexlessness"—defined as having no sexual partners in the past year—has doubled from 12% in 2010 to 24% in 2024.

Demographic Group	Weekly Sex (1990/2000s)	Weekly Sex (2024)	Trend
All Adults (18-64)	55%	37%	▼ 18%
Married Couples	59%	49%	▼ 10%
Young Adults (18-29)	15% (Sexless)	24%	▲ 9%
Unmarried Adults	40%	34%	▼ 6%

THE DIGITAL OPIATE: TECHNOLOGY AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR TOUCH

A primary driver of this recession is what social psychologist Jonathan Haidt calls the "Great Rewiring" of the human experience. The proliferation of smartphones and high-speed internet has introduced "electronic opiates” social media, endless streaming, and pornography—that compete directly with physical intimacy for time and attention.

Furthermore, the phenomenon of "technoference” where digital devices interrupt couple interactions—has been linked to lower relationship satisfaction and decreased sexual frequency even among cohabiting partners. "Bedtime procrastination," the habit of scrolling through feeds instead of engaging with a partner, has effectively pushed intimacy out of the bedroom.

THE ECONOMIC SQUEEZE AND THE MATING MARKET

Economic factors play a critical role, particularly for young men. Declining real earnings and the rising cost of living have made traditional milestones of adulthood, such as homeownership and marriage, increasingly unattainable. Research suggests that young men with lower earnings are less "appealing" on the mating market, leading to a decline in relationship formation. Additionally, the rise of the "hermit economy" has seen young adults spending significantly less time socializing in person. Between 2010 and 2024, the average time young adults spent with friends weekly dropped from 12.8 hours to just 5.1 hours. This lack of physical proximity reduces the "liquid courage" opportunities traditionally provided by bars and parties, further depressing hookup and dating rates.

THE MENTAL HEALTH PARADOX: ANXIETY AND THE SSRI FACTOR

The decline in intimacy is also inextricably linked to the national mental health crisis. Americans are reporting record levels of anxiety and depression, both of which are known to suppress libido. However, the medical response to this crisis may be inadvertently compounding the problem. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), the most commonly prescribed antidepressants, are notorious for their sexual side effects. Studies indicate that 40% to 65% of individuals on SSRIs experience some form of sexual dysfunction, including decreased desire and difficulty reaching orgasm. As more young people are prescribed these medications earlier in life, their "sexual bloom" is being chemically blunted before it can fully develop.

THE FUTURE OF INTIMACY: AI LOVERS AND THE NEW NORMAL

As we look toward the remainder of 2026, the emergence of "Digital Intimacy" and AI-powered companions is beginning to fill the void left by human connection. For a generation that finds traditional dating "exhausting" or "risky," AI lovers offer a controlled, rejection-free alternative. While this may alleviate loneliness for some, experts warn it could further erode the social muscles required for real-world intimacy.

The Great American Sex Recession is a multifaceted phenomenon. It is the result of a "perfect storm" where technology provides a low-effort substitute for connection, economic stress reduces the incentive to partner, and a medicated society struggles to find its natural drive.