Why Are We Having Less Sex Than Ever Before?
Research has shown that people are having less sex than ever before. Here, we will examine the actual statistics, as well as the many external influences, lifestyle habits and biological issues that might be contributing to this steadily declining decrease in activity between the sheets.
Sex Rates Dropping Worldwide: What the Statistics Say
A study conducted in 2016 suggested that the rate at which Americans are engaging in intercourse has rapidly declined. The National Opinion Research Council (NORC), based at the University of Chicago, routinely conducts the General Social Survey (GSS) -- a survey that gauges common behaviors people regularly display.
Some of the specific information the GSS concluded in relation to why we are having less sex is startling. For example, the percentage of individuals engaging in intercourse dropped from 45 percent in 2000 to 36 percent in 2016. Further GSS examinations found that incidents of teen sex have been on a downward spiral since 1985 and that the average fertility rate, the statistic measuring how rapidly newborns are added to the population, has descended to a level not witnessed since the Great Depression. And Americans aren't the only ones having less sex: This shocking trend appears to be occurring worldwide. The first question that might come to mind is "why?? As it turns out, there may be quite a number of reasons.
Why Are People Are Having Less Sex?
The trending lack of interest in sex could be attributed to a number of different causes prevalent in our modern-day world. Here are just a few:
Stress
Arguably, one of the biggest hindrances to sexual desire among adults today is stress. When the body is exposed to heightened tension, the endocrine system (organs responsible for the creation and secretion of hormones) releases excess quantities of stress hormones. Substances such as adrenaline and cortisol are designed to help the human system cope with and adapt to stressful circumstances. However, these chemicals have the potential to decrease bodily concentrations of critical sexual and reproductive hormones like testosterone, estrogen and progesterone. Declining systemic levels of these important hormones can precipitate physical manifestations including diminished libido (sex drive) and sexual performance problems.
Life's Responsibilities
Duties such as jobs and parenting seem to be taking up much of the time individuals have. Sociologists opine that moms and dads are more involved in the lives of their children than ever before. With many young people partaking in countless scholastic and extracurricular events, parents devote much time organizing these activities and transporting their children to and from them. When this is coupled with the eight to 10 hours many adults spend working, there is neither time nor energy for sex.
Dissatisfaction With Partners
Some people simply lose interest in their sexual partners. Sociology experts believe that, in modern times, sexual partners grow dissatisfied with each other much more quickly than in the past. Today's world is an instant gratification society. Those in the know believe that this philosophy also trickles down to relationships. So when relationships are not perfect or do not immediately meet peoples' needs, they are more likely to bail out.
External Pressures
The lack of sex experienced by some people might also be attributable to the pressures individuals face in regards to sex and other issues. In today's world, social media enables many to brag about their perfect existences, latest successes and wonderful children on a minute-to-minute basis. This phenomenon may precipitate insecurity and feelings of inadequacy in others. Such emotions could manifest in an uneasiness that could lead to mental issues that preclude them from desiring or engaging in intercourse.
Technology May Contribute to Our Lack of Sex
Believe it or not, many mental health professionals opine that the technological advances seen in today's world play a significant role in the declining rates at which people are having sex. Such issues include:
The Emergence of Smartphones
Most people own a smartphone or some other pocket-sized communication device on which they spend significant amounts of time scrolling and communicating. Certain sex experts suggest that this reliance on our phones has permeated into the bedroom. Chances are each partner has their phone on their respective nightstand or in a location that is easy to access and, when the phone beeps or flashes, there is a good chance that the contraption's owner will rush to rush to see what the latest message is. A continued pattern of such behavior eventually creates the mindset of making the phone more important than the partner, thus leading to less contact and certainly less intercourse.
The Increasing Abundance of Entertainment
Advancements in technology have also presented a dearth of entertainment options. Instead of interacting with their significant other while at home together, individuals have the choice of streaming movies, partaking in online betting, watching sports or playing the latest installment of video games. With so many methods of entertainment at someone's fingertips, sex might not be as appealing an option as it once was.
Pornography
There are also those who believe the increased easy access to pornography has led to a decline the sexual encounters people have. Because looking at porn does not require any work but can still satisfy the sexual desires of certain individuals, the industry has enjoyed a boon in recent times. Additionally, the advances in technology such as the internet have made gaining access to pornographic material much easier.
