Sex parties have long been associated with hedonism and free-spirited indulgence, but for Gen Z, the appeal is taking a different form.
While recent studies suggest that Gen Z is having less sex than previous generations, their interest in sex parties is rising—but not necessarily for the reasons one might expect.
According to Angie Rowntree, founder and director of Sssh.com, an award-winning ethical porn site, Gen Z’s participation in sex parties often prioritizes performance, aesthetics, and consent culture over actual sexual activity.
“More Gen Zs are coming to sex parties, but most of them are more interested in the performance element, i.e., costumes…than actually having sex,” Rowntree told Newsweek. “They are also more interested in sex parties because sex parties are putting an onus on consent and safety.”
This aligns with broader social trends, which reveal Gen Z to be one of the generations having the least sex.
One study found that Gen Z members between the ages of 20 and 24 were more likely than both Millennials and Gen Xers to report having had no sexual partners. Fifteen percent said they were sexually inactive, while only six percent of Gen Xers reported the same when they were their age.
Cultural strategist Anastasiia Fedorova at Canvas8 previously told Newsweek about the reasons why Gen Z might be engaging in less sex—though, perhaps with more meaning.
“The ‘sex recession’ myth has certainly followed Gen Z for a while, but it seems that for them it’s not about quantity, but the quality of sex,” she said. “They’re engaging with intimacy in a more nuanced way…This desire for deeper engagement and authenticity allows them to have better communication when it comes to their needs and desires. Combined with being more clued-in on sex-positive discourse, it ultimately helps to have a more satisfying sex life.”
Even though Gen Z is often described as more sexually fluid and open to alternative relationship styles, their overall frequency of sexual activity nevertheless remains lower. A study by The Kinsey Institute found that Gen Z and Baby Boomers reported having sexual intercourse an average of three times in the past month, while Generation X and Millennials averaged five times in the past month.
A New Kind of Sex Party
Unlike previous generations, many Gen Z attendees approach sex parties with the same attitude they approach sex in general: with an emphasis on personal expression, inclusivity and boundaries.
Rowntree explained that modern sex parties are no longer just about sex—they have evolved into “third places” where people can socialize, explore and engage in sex-positive communities.
“A sex party is not an excuse to suspend consent or basic safety,” she said in a statement. “Even an ‘orgy’ is not a ‘free-for-all.’ Just because sex might be on the table for the evening does not mean that the social aspects of the evening are lesser. In many ways, the excitement paired with vulnerability and intimacy demands an elevated level of social and emotional intelligence that exceeds what most people are willing to offer on first dates.”
For Gen Z, this structured approach aligns with their values. The prioritization of consent and emotional well-being at sex parties reflects a broader cultural shift in how younger generations navigate intimacy and relationships.
The Ethical Porn Connection
Gen Z’s evolving approach to sex parties also mirrors trends in how they consume erotic content. While Gen Z is not a dominant demographic in terms of paid porn consumption, Rowntree says that those who do pay for porn are strongly drawn to ethical porn.
“Our numbers do show a modest increase with growth potential, as the ones who do pay for porn are definitely more interested in ethical porn—which is refreshing to see,” she told Newsweek.
Unlike traditional adult content, ethical porn prioritizes fair pay, consent-driven performances and authentic pleasure over scripted “money shots.” This focus on realism and inclusivity mirrors Gen Z’s expectations in other sexual spaces, including sex parties.
While previous generations may have approached sex parties as purely physical experiences, Gen Z is reshaping them into something different: a space for self-expression, performance and carefully curated intimacy.
With consent and emotional intelligence at the forefront, today’s sex parties reflect a broader cultural shift—one where Gen Z is less interested in traditional sexual norms but more open to alternative explorations of pleasure, community and identity.
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