Millennials Are Less Promiscuous Than Older Generations Think, Scientists Say

First Posted: Aug 04, 2016 05:28 AM EDT
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"Kids these days..." How often do you hear older generations say that to the next in line? Many articles say that the generation" born in the 1990s are promiscuous, considering the number of dating apps and the "hook-up culture" that exposed them to lustful and sexual non-relationships.

Unfortunately, such kinds of reports remain untrue. IFL Science noted that people complain about the "corrupted youth," but even though the era of the internet should theoretically make it easier for millennials to find sexual partners, it doesn't necessarily mean that it's true. In fact, it's the other way around.

The lead author of the study, Professor Jean Twenge of Sand Diego State University said in a statement that technology may actually have the opposite effect of sex for younger people - they spend so much time online that they interact less in person. Of course, there are several factors about why this is so. According to her, the millennial generation is very interested in safety - so they consume less alcohol and are interested in "safe spaces," which may also influence their choice in sex.

Study co-author Dr. Ryne Sherman of the Florida Atlantic University said that the difference did not lie in the age group alone - many aspects make sex choices significantly different, as well. For instance, women are less likely to be sexually active, and Whites have less sex than Blacks. Education also plays a role, as those who did not attend college are more likely to have sex more than those who did, despite all the college movies you see in cinemas.

Sherman shared, "Rise in individualism allows young American adults to have permissive attitudes without feeling the pressure to conform in their own behavior." What's most surprising is that Millennials who do have sex don't actually have more partners than the generation before them - and sexual activity among American teens are actually on a decline. Who would have thought?

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