The Decline of Intimacy in America
In 2019, CBS News aired concerns about Japan’s “sexual recession.” They highlighted issues like a declining birth rate, growing loneliness, and a significant number of young people who reported not having sex at all.
Fast forward to now, and signs suggest that this “sex recession” might soon reach the U.S., particularly along the West Coast. A recent study from the Institute for Family Studies (IFS) indicates that Americans are becoming less intimate than ever. The report, titled “The Sex Recession,” examines data from a 2024 social survey conducted by the University of Chicago NORC.
The findings are striking. According to the study shared by the Wall Street Journal, only 37% of American adults engage in sexual activity weekly, a notable drop from the 55% reported in 1990. Young adults are witnessing even steeper declines, with a staggering 24% of those aged 18-29 admitting to not having had sex in the past year—doubled since 2010.
Millennials and Generation Z often cite social awkwardness and the allure of online escapism as reasons for stepping back from dating and romance. However, the data shows that this trend extends to middle-aged individuals as well, regardless of marital status or sexual orientation. Even couples in committed relationships are having less sex. While some factors like parenting and job stress are common culprits, previous generations seemed to handle similar challenges better.
The situation among older adults, particularly those over 64, hasn’t improved much either, as their frequency of sexual activity remains low. Japan serves as a cautionary tale, grappling with an even more severe sexual recession, compounded by an aging population and widespread loneliness among its youth.
If America doesn’t change its attitudes toward intimacy and family life, it risks reflecting Japan’s demographic decline. The underlying message is clear: fostering a culture that values family life is essential—mere policies won’t suffice.
A practical starting point could involve reducing the pervasive culture of constant screen time, a major factor contributing to the sex recession. Encouraging young people to disconnect from their phones, engage in social activities, read more, and get outdoors could be beneficial. Although these changes won’t reverse the trend overnight, they may have a positive impact over time.
