Fresh Air: "Gen Z Is Having Less Sex. Why?"
Hosted by Tonya Mosley, NPR
Release Date: June 23, 2025

Introduction: A Silent Generation?

In this insightful episode of Fresh Air, hosts Tonya Mosley and Carter Sherman delve into a compelling and somewhat unexpected trend: Generation Z is engaging in less sexual activity compared to previous generations. This phenomenon, which spans individuals aged 13 to 28, raises questions about the underlying causes and implications for society. Through over 100 interviews with teenagers, young adults, and experts, Sherman explores the multifaceted reasons behind this shift, including miseducation, digital overexposure, and a polarized political landscape.

The Turning Point: A Middle School Dance Observation

Tonya Mosley sets the stage by recounting her experience chaperoning her daughter's seventh-grade dance several years prior. She noticed a distinct lack of interaction among the teenagers—no dancing, little flirting, and some students engrossed in their phones. This observation initially seemed like typical adolescent awkwardness, but Sherman posits it as a potential indicator of a broader generational shift.

"The boys were on one side of the gym, the girls on the other, and some were even hunched over their phones, more interested in what was online than each other."
— Tonya Mosley, [00:10]

Historical Context: From the 1950s to Today

Sherman emphasizes the importance of understanding the sexual history of America to contextualize Gen Z's behaviors. She highlights significant changes over the past 50 years, such as the advent of birth control, the expansion and contraction of abortion rights, and the advancement of women's rights. She warns against romanticizing the 1950s as a golden era for sexual conservatism, noting that technological advancements and social progress make reversing these changes impossible.

"I really hope that people can look ahead towards the future and see what it is that we're living in now, as opposed to trying to do what I call sexual conservatism."
— Carter Sherman, [02:24]

Texas as a Case Study: A Hotbed of Sexual Conservatism

Sherman uses Texas as a focal point to illustrate the impact of sexual conservatism. Having started her reporting career there, she observes Texas as a "laboratory for sexually conservative policies." The state enacted a six-week abortion ban that, despite being partially overturned, continued to restrict access through private lawsuits. Additionally, Texas leads the nation in repeat teen births and restricts comprehensive sex education.

"Texas was the first state to basically crack Roe in half by passing a six week abortion ban..."
— Carter Sherman, [04:52]

The Decline of Comprehensive Sex Education

The conversation shifts to the decline of comprehensive sex education, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. During remote learning, teachers avoided sex education to prevent parental backlash, leading to gaps in students' knowledge. Abstinence-only programs, which lack evidence-based support, have been prevalent, leaving young people to turn to unreliable sources like pornography for sexual education.

"After the pandemic, there was an explosion in arguments at school boards and a real demonization over comprehensive sex ed."
— Carter Sherman, [09:30]

Pornography's Influence: The Unintended Sex Educator

With inadequate formal sex education, young people increasingly rely on pornography to learn about sex. Sherman found that this often leads to distorted perceptions of sexuality, normalizing rough sex and creating unrealistic expectations.

"Young people felt really bad about their relationship with porn, and they felt that porn had warped them sexually..."
— Carter Sherman, [19:33]

Sexual Citizenship: Rights and Agency

Sherman introduces the concept of "sexual citizenship," defined as the right to make informed decisions about one's own body and sexual preferences. She argues that the lack of supportive institutions undermines this sense of agency, leading to increased vulnerability and reduced ability to form healthy sexual relationships.

"Sexual citizenship is this concept that scholars Jennifer Hirsch and Seamus Kant have come up with... we should all feel like we deserve to make choices about our own sex lives."
— Carter Sherman, [21:58]

Impact of the MeToo Movement: Mixed Outcomes

The MeToo movement is highlighted as a pivotal moment for Gen Z, particularly young women who gained a clearer understanding of consent and sexual harassment. However, Sherman notes that while awareness has increased, institutional changes have lagged, leaving many young women feeling anxious and powerless.

"They understood, I think, far earlier than certainly I did, and far earlier than a lot of older generations, that if something had happened to them... it could have been sexual assault or sexual harassment."
— Carter Sherman, [25:34]

Hegemonic Masculinity: The Struggle for Identity

The episode delves into how traditional notions of masculinity, or "hegemonic masculinity," pressure Gen Z men to conform to narrow stereotypes—being strong, emotionless, and sexually assertive. This rigidity contributes to feelings of resentment and confusion among young men, leading some towards rightward political shifts and extremist groups like incels.

"Hegemonic masculinity... men are supposed to be big, strong, emotionless, caveman like."
— Carter Sherman, [29:09]

Real-World Ramifications: Legislative Actions and Personal Stories

Sherman shares poignant stories, such as that of a 19-year-old mother in Florida grappling with restrictive abortion laws. These narratives underscore the real-life consequences of sexual conservatism and the urgent need for supportive policies that respect young people's autonomy.

"If she had not been able to get this abortion today, everything could have been different for you because she did not feel like she had the money to go out of state to get the procedure elsewhere."
— Carter Sherman, [33:02]

Conclusion: Navigating a Complex Sexual Landscape

Fresh Air concludes by emphasizing the intricate interplay between education, politics, and digital influences in shaping Gen Z's sexual behaviors. Sherman advocates for comprehensive, evidence-based sex education and policies that support sexual citizenship to foster healthier, more informed relationships among young people.

"It takes a lot of work to re-evaluate your approach to sex, but it can be so fulfilling to the people who are able to do that."
— Carter Sherman, [23:29]

Key Takeaways

• Comprehensive Sex Education: Essential for providing young people with accurate information and fostering healthy sexual relationships.
• Impact of Pornography: Acts as an unintended sex educator, often perpetuating unrealistic and harmful perceptions of sex.
• Sexual Citizenship: The right to make informed and respected decisions about one's own body and sexual life is crucial for individual and societal well-being.
• Hegemonic Masculinity: Rigid gender stereotypes contribute to confusion and resentment among young men, influencing their political and social behaviors.
• Legislative Influence: State-level policies, especially in conservative states like Texas and Florida, significantly impact young people's sexual health and autonomy.

Notable Quotes

• "Sexual citizenship is this concept... we should all feel like we deserve to make choices about our own sex lives."
  — Carter Sherman, [21:58]

• "Hegemonic masculinity... men are supposed to be big, strong, emotionless, caveman like."
  — Carter Sherman, [29:09]

• "It takes a lot of work to re-evaluate your approach to sex, but it can be so fulfilling to the people who are able to do that."
  — Carter Sherman, [23:29]

This episode of Fresh Air offers a comprehensive exploration of the declining sexual activity among Gen Z, shedding light on the complex factors at play and urging a societal shift towards more informed and supportive frameworks.