A young adult spending time alone by the shore, reflecting trends of increased solitude and reduced romantic engagement.
Illustration by the Author
Lei and South (2021) studied the reasons behind decreasing sexual interest among young American adults. The researchers studied 18 to 23-year-old participants who took part in the Transition to Adulthood Supplement of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics between 2007 and 2017.
The research investigated how social routines together with financial conditions and personal life decisions affect the decreasing sexual activity rates among young adults.
The researchers discovered that young people now form fewer romantic relationships as the primary reason for this trend. Young people today avoid dating which results in fewer chances for intimate relationships. Young adults face difficulties in becoming independent because of economic instability and low male earning potential which hinders their ability to establish romantic relationships.
Young adults' lifestyle choices have become a significant contributing element to this trend. Young adults who dedicate their time to computer games experience reduced opportunities for social contact which results in fewer chances to date and have sexual relationships. The decrease in alcohol use has occurred at the same time as socialising and dating activities have become less common.
The four factors: relationship development, economic difficulties, digital usage and drinking habits, explain about 75% of the sexual inactivity among young adults.
Recent analysis further highlights this trend. A 2025 report by the Institute for Family Studies found that among young adult men aged 22-34, the percentage reporting no sexual activity in the past year rose dramatically, and the male virginity rate doubled over the last decade. This suggests that social, economic, and lifestyle factors disproportionately affect men, contributing to higher rates of sexual inactivity and solitude .
Overall , the research indicates that changing social patterns, personal behaviour and monetary difficulties create an environment in which young adults experience increased solitude while reducing their sexual activity, especially because these factors disproportionately affect men.
Reference:
Lei, L., & South, S. J. (2021). Explaining the decline in young adult sexual activity in the United States. Journal of Marriage and Family, 83(1), 280–295. https://doi.org/10.1111/jomf.12723
Further Reading:
Stone, L. (2025, February 14). Young adult sexlessness skyrocketed in the last decade while male virginity doubled: Study. Institute for Family Studies. https://ifstudies.org/in-the-news/young-adult-sexlessness-skyrocketed-in-the-last-decade-while-male-virginity-doubled-study