The Sex Recession: Why Young Adults Are Becoming Less Intimate episode artwork

EPISODE · Sep 3, 2025 · 30 MIN

The Sex Recession: Why Young Adults Are Becoming Less Intimate

from Off The Data Provided · host Dr. Marcus C. Shepard

Dr. Marcus C. Shepard examines the Institute for Family Studies article "The Sex Recession," (https://ifstudies.org/blog/the-sex-recession-the-share-of-americans-having-regular-sex-keeps-dropping) explaining how the share of Americans having regular sex has fallen from 55% in 1990 to 37% in 2024. The  decline is linked to fewer partnered adults, reduced face-to-face time, and shifting socialization driven by smartphones and digital media. The episode explores causes like decreased in-person interaction, rising anxiety and depression among younger generations, and the role of the pandemic. Dr. Shepard emphasizes the importance of interpersonal communication skills and the social contexts that foster relationships. Dr. Shepard closes with "Ask Dr. Shepard" where he offers practical tips for students looking to build social confidence and make new friends as the semester begins.

Dr. Marcus C. Shepard examines the Institute for Family Studies article "The Sex Recession," (https://ifstudies.org/blog/the-sex-recession-the-share-of-americans-having-regular-sex-keeps-dropping) explaining how the share of Americans having regular sex has fallen from 55% in 1990 to 37% in 2024. The  decline is linked to fewer partnered adults, reduced face-to-face time, and shifting socialization driven by smartphones and digital media. The episode explores causes like decreased in-person interaction, rising anxiety and depression among younger generations, and the role of the pandemic. Dr. Shepard emphasizes the importance of interpersonal communication skills and the social contexts that foster relationships. Dr. Shepard closes with "Ask Dr. Shepard" where he offers practical tips for students looking to build social confidence and make new friends as the semester begins.

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The Sex Recession: Why Young Adults Are Becoming Less Intimate

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This episode is 30 minutes long.

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This episode was published on September 3, 2025.

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Dr. Marcus C. Shepard examines the Institute for Family Studies article "The Sex Recession," (https://ifstudies.org/blog/the-sex-recession-the-share-of-americans-having-regular-sex-keeps-dropping) explaining how the share of Americans having regular...

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