Are College Students Turning Down the Heat? Investigating The Decrease of Sexual Activity Among College Students

Authors: Kristen Lodge, Ann Merriwether

SUNY Campus: Binghamton University

Presentation Type: Poster

Location: Old Union Hall

Presentation #: 20

Timeslot: Session A 9:00-10:00 AM

Abstract: Previous studies have shown young people currently are having less sex and having sex with fewer partners compared to prior generations (Herbenick et al., 2022; Twenge et al., 2017). Sexual activity has been decreasing even before the Covid-19 pandemic, and the lingering effects of quarantine likely has exacerbated this decline. Since positive sexual activity is an indicator of individual well-being, a decrease in sexual activity may contribute to a decreased level of overall well-being (Debrot et al., 2017; Ganong & Larson, 2011). The existing research has focused on factors such as economic insecurity, the decline in the formation of romantic relationships, and decreased alcohol use (Lei & South, 2021). However, there has been limited research on variables specific to Gen Z, such as increased pornography consumption and social anxiety rates. There’s also a lack of research on sexual minority populations concerning the decrease in sexual activity. Data was collected and analyzed from college students at a mid-sized public university before, during, and after the Covid-19 pandemic. Preliminary results indicate a declining trend in sexual activity, gender differences in reported masturbation and pornography use, and a direct relationship between partnered sexual activity and overall well-being.