How the Pandemic and Pornography Are Transforming Gen Z’s Perspectives on Sex

When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, it went beyond just abortion rights. Journalist Carter Sherman noted it created a major shift in how people view sex today. Sherman, a reporter for The Guardian, highlighted these changes in her new book, The Second Coming: Sex and the Next Generation’s Fight Over its Future. She pointed out that Gen Z—those born from 1997 to 2012—are having less sex than earlier generations.

Sherman interviewed over 100 young people and experts. She believes that the change in sex life is not only about abortion rights. Factors like the internet, smartphones, and movements such as #MeToo have shaped the current landscape. The pandemic also interrupted sex education, causing many classes to be conducted online or canceled. This shift left many educators hesitant to teach on sensitive topics.

Sadly, much of today’s sex education focuses solely on abstinence. Sherman argues this old-fashioned approach can’t adapt to the realities shaped by technology and social change. For example, the rise of easy access to pornography has changed expectations and experiences around sex.

Many young people feel conflicted about porn. They’re aware that it distorts their understanding of intimacy and sexual pleasure. Sherman noted that sex educators stress that what’s shown in porn isn’t a true model for real relationships.

The #MeToo movement has also impacted today’s youth. Many young women now recognize unhealthy dynamics in early sexual encounters and demand better resources and education. However, changes in institutional policies seem slow, leaving many feeling anxious about their safety.

On the flip side, some young men feel pressured and misunderstood in this climate. They often express a sense of demonization, which, according to Sherman, could drive them towards more conservative views.

In a recent study by the Pew Research Center, it showed that concerns over safety and harassment are pervasive among both genders but manifest differently. Young men are asserting their feelings while young women are navigating serious societal pressures.

Ultimately, it’s clear that the conversation around sex and consent is evolving. The challenges young people face today require a blend of comprehensive education, open dialogues, and understanding of the nuanced realities shaped by previous generations and modern influences.

For further insight into the state of sex education today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides extensive research and data on the current landscape of sexual health among youth.

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