When it comes to relationships, a common preconception is that Gen Z likes to remain fast and free while boomers and millennials traditionally favour monogamy and stability.
But a newly published report claims the younger generation may be more like their predecessors than initially anticipated. Who would’ve thought?
Feeld, the modern dating app for ‘open-minded individuals’, has worked in conjunction with Dr. Justin Lehmiller of The Kinsey Institute at Indiana University to compile data on generational dating habits.
A new study into monogamy and kinks has been published (Getty stock images)
The groundbreaking results were published to coincide with World Sexual Health Day on Wednesday (September 4).
Experts working on the report, titled ‘The State of Dating: How Gen Z is Redefining Sexuality and Relationships’, collated data from Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X, and Boomer adults on dating trends and attitudes towards sexuality and relationships.
After analysing the data – gained from Feeld communities and wider research at the Kinsey Institute – the study lead found that younger people have an ‘unexpected affinity for monogamy’.
It’s said 81 percent of participants born between 1997 and 2012 claimed they fantasized about being in a monogamous relationship.
Meanwhile, a whopping 44 percent stated they frequently thought about the notion.
In older generations, it’s thought around 70 percent enjoy one-on-one commitment, with 25 percent considering it regularly.
The majority of older generations enjoy one-to-one commitment (Getty Stock Image)
“It is well documented that Gen Z is having less sex, fewer partners and fewer relationships than generations that came before,” said Dr. Lehmiller.
“At the same time, a current trend is the romanticisation of traditional relationships and roles. There is a certain appeal to ‘how things used to be’ in the sense that they just seemed simpler.”
The study reports that 15 percent of quizzed participants said they prefer non-monogamous relationship styles over traditional types.
This surprising statistic is only slightly lower than the 16 percent of Millennials, who claim they’re into monogamy and much higher than the 9 percent of Gen Z participants.
The research also claims the younger generations are ‘increasingly open to exploring and redefining their identities over time’, with 59 percent of Gen Z Feeld Members reporting a sexual identity other than heterosexual.
Scientific boffins have also used the study to dive into the world of kink.
Surprisingly, Gen Zers are still interested in monogamy (Getty stock images)
According to the broader research, Gen Z is leading the rise in kink and BDSM interests, with 56 percent reporting BDSM fantasies compared to just 12 percent of boomers.
“It suggests a generation that is simultaneously challenging and embracing tradition,” explained the study lead.
Dr. Lehmiller also claimed the results worked to offer a ‘fascinating glimpse’ into how Gen Z is ‘redefining relationships’.
“Their openness to exploring more fluid ways of being, coupled with an unexpected affinity for monogamy, suggests a generation that is simultaneously challenging and embracing tradition,” he continued.
“What is also striking is how, compared to the national average, the Feeld community seems to be a lot more open to exploring, defining, and redefining who they really are, which helps advance our work on understanding where sexuality and relationships are headed within a broader cultural context.”
You can now access the full report on Feeld.
