Omnipresence of screens, less spontaneity... Why the French are making love less and less

Camille Moreau / Photo credit: LUDOVIC MARIN / AFP 2:12 p.m., February 6, 2024

The figures are intriguing. According to an Ifop study, published this Tuesday morning, the French are making love less and less. Particularly young people, since a quarter of sexually active 18-24 year olds say they have not had any intercourse in the space of a year. This is five times more than in 2006. And 76% of respondents say they have had only one, on average, over the last 12 months, the lowest rate recorded in 50 years.

The explosion of pornography, the pressure to perform, but also the evolution of the relationship with consent constitute factors that can explain this drop in sexual activity. Clearly, there would be fewer impulses, fewer sexual impulses, because young people would think more, even a little too much, before taking action.

“There are a lot of obstacles”

“I think the #MeToo movement, and everything related to it, has cut off spontaneity.

Before, it was very easy, we liked each other, we kissed and that's it. Today, I have a lot of patients who tell me, 'I have to ask her if she's okay before going out with me.' There are a lot of obstacles, it’s a real obstacle course,” assures Caroline Weill, clinical psychologist.

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The study also reveals a trend that may make you smile. Screens are indeed a real love killer for couples who live under the same roof. One in two men under 35 admit to having already avoided sexual intercourse to watch a series or film on television, play a video game, or go on social networks.