Drunken nights of steamy, stumbly sex may be coming to a happy ending (or unhappy, depending on who you ask) — at least when it comes to the younger generation.
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New statistics show less than half of 18 to 24-year-olds are having sex while inebriated.
The slash in sloshed shagging rates is dramatically larger when it comes to Gen Z with less than half (49%) admitting they have embarked on a drunken liaison, according to the research from Lovehoney in partnership with CleanCo.
“The drop in drunken hookups for Gen Z seems tied to a few things: They’re drinking less overall, having less sex in general, and focusing more on health and self-care,” dating and relationship expert Dr. Callisto Adams told the Toronto Sun.
“Sobriety is becoming trendy, and a lot of younger people are skipping alcohol altogether or drinking less often.”
The study noted that of the Gen Zers surveyed, 15% were non-drinkers or abstained while only 25% said they drink booze at least once a week.
In comparison, more than half of those aged 65 and over (51%) said they drink at least weekly, 49% of 55 to 64-year-olds and 45 to 54-year-olds admitted to weekly drinking, while 39% of those in the 25 to 34 demographic revealed they partake in boozing.
But with 64% of those surveyed admitting to having sexual encounters while intoxicated, it’s Gen Xers who are dominating the list with continued drunken sexual encounters.
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“Gen X grew up in a time when boozy nights were the norm, so their numbers make sense,” Adams noted. “It’s a clear generational shift in priorities and lifestyles.”
Those who did have booze-and-sex-filled sessions said they were more likely to do so with their current partner than a one-night stand, with 21% of respondents saying they were drunk while having sex with their significant other, versus 14% of those with a one-night stand.
The choice to stay sober isn’t new for Gen Z.
A report earlier this year found that young Canadians are skipping on the booze in favour of alcohol-free experiences while vacationing.
And while fewer younger people are having less drunken sex, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re having less fun.
“Gen Z seems to value meaningful connections over random drunken flings,” Adams said.
“They might want to avoid the awkwardness or regrets that can come with drunk sex,” she continued. “It’s not just about drinking less; it’s about being more intentional with their choices.”