A new report published on World Sexual Health Day on September 4 looked at Generation Z and their view on sexuality and relationships. How do they differ from older generations in terms of kinks, monogamy, and connection? The answers may not be what you think.
The popular but nontraditional dating app Feeld collaborated with Dr. Justin Lehmiller of the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University to release the report "The State of Dating: How Gen Z is Redefining Sexuality and Relationships." The report focused on Gen Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, and how they are approaching dating and viewing sexuality.
Feeld calls itself the "dating app for open-minded individuals." It is available for iOS and Android users, and the majority of members are ethically non-monogamous and kink-friendly. It's advertised for folks who are interested in swinging, casual sex, and alternative relationships. The Kinsey Institute was interested in how these viewpoints contribute to previous generational trends, such as those viewed by Millennials, Gen Xers, and Boomers.
Although non-monogamy is among one of the hottest trends, and many folks may view Gen Z as moving away from traditional relationships, the report found that the opposite is true. They found that 23% of Feeld's Gen Z members prefer monogamy, compared to the 15% that preferred non-monogamy. Furthermore, 81% of Gen Z users fantasize about monogamy.
In fact, Millennial and Gen X users favored ethical non-monogamy more than Gen Z.
Research suggests that older generations have tried monogamy, and many have found that it doesn't suit them. Meanwhile, Gen Z is still exploring all avenues of relationship development.
Gen Z is also more single and less sexually active than other generations. The report says that "it becomes easy to see how monogamy might hold a distinct appeal for many younger adults" due to their lack of experience.
Feeld's Gen Z users are largely queer, with 59% identifying as a sexual identity that isn't heterosexual and 18% of Gen Z users identifying as gender fluid.
A significant finding was that 10% of Feeld Gen Zers changed their gender identity since joining the dating app, and 18% changed their sexual identity post-app.
As for kink exploration, 55% of Gen Zers on Feeld reported finding a new kink since joining the app. Millennials were close behind, with 49% finding a new kink.
"The data from Feeld Members offers a fascinating glimpse into how Gen Z is redefining relationships. Their openness to exploring more fluid ways of being, coupled with an unexpected affinity for monogamy, suggests a generation that is simultaneously challenging and embracing tradition," said Dr. Justin Lehmiller in a press release.
Gen Z has been at the forefront of sex positivity in general. A 2022 study from California State University found that Gen Z were more likely to use two forms of contraception to protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections compared to Millenials, who were found to report more unplanned pregnancies than Gen Z.
Lehmiller said, "What is also striking is how, compared to the national average, the Feeld community seems to be a lot more open to exploring, defining, and redefining who they really are, which helps advance our work on understanding where sexuality and relationships are headed within a broader cultural context."
2 resources
- Feeld. What You Want Will Surprise You.
- California State University. Which Generation Is Having Safe Sex? Millennial Or Gen-Z.
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