Rates of sexual activity have declined across age groups and countries, with younger people most affected, according to neuroscientist and author Debra Soh, who says the trend reflects broader shifts in behaviour, technology and mental health.
“Everyone across the board is having less sex,” Soh said, noting the pattern spans “eastern countries, western countries, basically all developed countries and all age cohorts”.
She said multiple data sets show a sustained fall in sexual activity over recent decades. “One in three men and one in five women have not had sex in the past 12 months, which is a large number of people,” she said.
The trend, often described as a “sex recession”, has been building for years. “It’s been documented for probably the last 30 years or so… but it’s been the most… prominent in the last 20 years,” Soh said, adding that the pandemic “definitely played a role in making things worse”.
Soh said the decline extends beyond partnered sex. “Across the board there’s been this decline… less intercourse, less anal sex, less oral sex… partner masturbation… solo masturbation as well,” she said.
The findings challenge assumptions that reduced sexual activity reflects a shift towards alternative outlets. “It’s not that the pie of sexual activity has been redistributed… it’s that the overall size of the pie has gotten smaller too,” she said.
“One in three men and one in five women have not had sex in the past 12 months, which is a large number of people”
Soh pointed to a range of factors, including technology and changing social behaviour. “The internet… smartphones… social media… sadly, social media is supposed to make us more connected and it’s… if anything seems to have made us more divided,” she said.
She added that broader social tensions may be influencing relationships. “There’s this larger… political… hatred that’s happening between men and women… because if you hate the opposite sex, it’s going to be very difficult to want to have a relationship with them,” she said.
Mental health was another factor. “Globally 5% of people are depressed right now… if you’re anxious and depressed your last thing you’re going to want to do is go out and meet people,” Soh said, adding that many younger people face “loss of motivation… feeling very self-conscious”.
Soh said digital alternatives may also be shaping behaviour. “Porn is a big part of this issue… they’re getting their needs met through this proxy that… simulates real sexual activity,” she said.
This, she argued, can reduce motivation to pursue relationships. “Why bother… if you can get sexual gratification on a screen?” she said.
Social media may also affect attraction and self-perception. Soh cited research showing “roughly one in 10 men actually loses interest in having sex with his own partner after looking at influencers and that women also feel less sexually desirable after being on social media”.
“Globally 5% of people are depressed right now… if you’re anxious and depressed your last thing you’re going to want to do is go out and meet people”
She said the cumulative effect is reduced real-world interaction. “People don’t really talk to each other… it’s seen as weird to talk to strangers… especially in romance,” she said.
At the same time, Soh said emerging technologies could deepen the shift. “The sex robots are definitely coming… the technology… is very much possible,” she said, referring to advances in artificial intelligence and robotics.
She described AI companions as increasingly realistic. “They are so realistic like you really cannot tell that it is an AI… it sounded like a real person I was talking to,” she said.
Such developments may reinforce existing trends. “It’s going to be so easy just to go down the route of one of these alternatives,” Soh said, noting research suggesting “over half of single people are not interested in dating at all”.
Despite these changes, Soh said many still seek connection. “At the core, everybody wants to find someone… many people may say that they’ve given up… but I do think that’s what most people deep down want,” she said.
She added that the decline in sexual activity reflects a broader social shift. “We’re not connecting… there are a lot of stand-ins for connection,” Soh said.
Quotes in this report are drawn from the podcast “Why Nobody is Having Sex Anymore (& why it matters)” featuring Dr Debra Soh on the Chris Williamson channel.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
