The Sex Lives of College Kids

The "sex recession" marks a significant decline in sexual activity among Millennials and Gen Z, driven by shifting cultural narratives and technological influences. While media previously fixated on the myth of rampant hookup culture, data reveals that young people are having less sex than previous generations, a trend exacerbated by smartphone ubiquity and social media-induced self-objectification. This digital environment often prioritizes curated appearances over physical intimacy, while simultaneously exposing young people to harmful manosphere rhetoric. Furthermore, the cultural legacy of the #MeToo movement has heightened awareness of sexual violence and consent, yet institutional failures to provide accountability leave survivors feeling vulnerable and disempowered. Journalist Carter Sherman, author of *The Second Coming*, examines these complexities, highlighting how the intersection of digital surveillance, fear of sexual violence, and a lack of institutional support reshapes modern sexual development and autonomy.