Is it hot in here? We did a deep dive into what’s really going down (or who’s going down) in between the sheets on campus, and the results are spicy. We asked hundreds of Gen Zers about everything related to sex — any activity below the belt with at least one partner — from how often they’re having it, who they’re having it with, and the toys they’re using during it.
When it comes to sex, Gen Z is rewriting the rules, breaking the norms, and leaving outdated traditions on read. From faking orgasms to sexual education, here’s how Gen Z gets their freak on.
84%
16%
Average Age Gen Zers Became Sexually Active
have had sex
have not
AGE
Sexual orientation
How Gen Zers are
finding sexual partners
Most Gen Zers have had 1-3 sexual partners
of Gen Zers are having sex weekly or more
How Often Gen Zers Have Sex
number of sexual partners
40%
Just over 2/3 of Gen Zers have had an orgasm during sex
have faked an orgasm during sex
have told their partners they didn't orgasm
60%
73%
of Gen Zers practice aftercare almost every time they have sex
Aftercare refers to the period following sex, where partners check in and actively care for each other — often through physical affection like cuddling, massage, or simply talking — to ensure everyone feels nurtured and connected after intimacy.
And yes, even casual sex should include some form of aftercare.
TYPES OF AFTERCARE
Gen Zers PRACTICE
35%
say they are practicing celibacy or abstinence
the buzz around
sex toys is real
Masturbation is a monthly ritual
66%
VIBRATORS
32%
DO NOT USE
ANY SEX tOYS
24%
Dildos
13%
suction toys
8%
anal toys
Not sure where to start? Here are some of the best sex toys for beginners, so you can try out a little self-love at home. (Wink.)
Safe sex is in
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Have you been tested for STIs?
Have you ever been diagnosed with an STI?
You can also get free or low-cost STI tests at many clinics, health departments, and community centers.
76%
internet
Heterosexual
LGBTQ+
Unsure
41%
16%
10%
26%
42%
17%
20%
37%
Dating apps
Classmates
Bars or parties
Social media
Past partners
Work
Friends of friends
Former classmates
Don’t be fooled by this stat, though — the use of dating apps overall is on the decline. In fact, 68% of our respondents actually don’t use any dating apps.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10-12
13-15
16+
23%
15%
14%
8%
8%
5%
3%
4%
2%
6%
4%
8%
never
a few times a year
A few times a month
a few times a week
weekly
daily
only had sex once
Gen Zers on why they are abstinent
plusOne Dual Vibrating Massager
never
a few times a year
A few times a month
a few times a week
weekly
daily
12%
15%
30%
20%
16%
4%
Trojan Her Pleasure Ecstasy Lubricated Condoms
Contraceptive injection
Vaginal ring
Arm implant
Condoms
birth control pill
Pull-out method
“Morning after” pill
IUD
If you didn’t orgasm the first time around, speak up to your partner about it
(and go back
for seconds).
14
STI testing is typically available on college campuses nationwide.
yes
NO
Prefer not to say
15
16
17
18
19
20+
Editors: Julianna Marie & Tina Kolokathis • Social: Kate Day • Designer: Addie Abujade
All opinions are 100% our own. © Her Campus Media 2025
Here's where Gen Zers are learning about sex
How often Gen Zers say they have solo sex:
Here are the products Gen Zers are using:
Gen Zers' preferred forms of sexual protection:
Bisexual 22%
Queer 5%
Lesbian 3%
Pansexual 3%
Asexual 2 %
Gay 0.4%
Other 0.4%
“I want my main focus to be myself for right now, when the time comes and feels right, then it feels right.”
“I have always thought of sex as a vulnerable action that is done with someone who loves, respects, and cares for you. Whilst those things can be found in non-married couples, I guess I’d rather be ‘safe than sorry’ and wait until my future husband and I say our vows.”
“I don’t really care enough to have sex. It’s not a priority for me or something I need.”
“I’m not interested in casual relationships and men are disappointing.”
“As someone who was raised
with more traditional values, I'm waiting until marriage. However, I'm also open to doing it if I was in a serious relationship for at least a couple of years.”
“Mainly to protect my heart from attachment to temporary/unserious love. I want to marry the person
I have sex with. I am very loyal and committed to people I fall in love with. Also medical reasons — it is safer not to — and religious beliefs.”
“I want to share my body with someone with whom I have an emotional connection to, and until I meet that person, I will continue to abstain from sex.”
“I’m valuing myself and doing work to become my best self, and that involves no random hookups (considering that’s all society wants these days).”
68%
35.8%
4%
56%
23%
46%
18%
5%
2%
2%
80%
A few times a month
a few times a week
weekly
daily
never
a few times a year
only had sex once
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Trojan Raw Pure
Feel Condoms
showering
watching a movie
going out to eat
TALKING
eating sweet treatS
sleeping
CUDDLING
23%
15%
14%
8%
8%
5%
3%
4%
2%
6%
4%
3%
No data
Respondents selected all identities that applied.
54%
Her Campus conducted an online survey with 770 respondents. Data was collected in January 2025 from Her Campus community members across the United States (representation from 46 states). Most respondents identified as women (98%) and were primarily between the ages of 18-23 (80%).
Methodology
60.5%
38.5%
1%
0.5%
9%
90.5%
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, you can call the
National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit hotline.rainn.org.
We're not focused on body counts, though.
4%
4%
19%
32%
17%
22%
1%
STIs are sexually transmitted infections, which spread through sexual contact.
67%
friends
31%
school
28%
books
23%
pornography
17%
family
yes
NO
Prefer not to say
56%
We asked...
running errands
AGE
going out to eat
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10-12
13-15
16+
yes
NO
Prefer not to say