Please support Telehealth.org’s ability to deliver helpful news, opinions, and analyses by turning off your ad blocker. Numerous studies are documenting profound changes in young adult relationship patterns and the concomitant rise in porn, gaming, and social media use. This article will highlight three current studies of sex, abstinence, gaming, or social media and make 10 suggestions for clinicians who wish to address these issues with their clients or patients. These suggestions are supported by previously reported studies related to the personality factors associated with Internet Gaming Disorder and gaming addiction and the dynamics of Internet addiction.
Young People Are Having Less Sex Than Their Parents
A 2020 study by researchers Lei Lei and Scott J. South published in the Journal of Marriage and Family reported that the frequency with which young people have sexual intercourse has steadily declined over several decades. They looked at longitudinal data from the Transition to Adulthood Supplement of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics for respondents ages 18 to 23 (n = 3,213), spanning 2007 to 2017. The researchers concluded that the primary factors contributing to the decline in young adult sexual activity involved reduced formation of romantic relationships, decreased alcohol consumption, declining earnings, and increased engagement in computer games. Together, these factors account for about three-quarters of the observed decline.
More Recent Sex & Abstinence Study
In a 2022 report of the UCLA California Health Interview Survey, researchers also noted a decline in sexual activity among young adults in California. Even before the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of young Californians abstaining from sex had been steadily rising. In 2011, 22% of individuals aged 18 to 30 reported not having any sexual partners in the past year. This figure increased to 29% in 2019 and 38% in 2021.
Researchers suggest that this trend reflects a delay in traditional milestones for young adults, such as moving out of their parent’s homes and forming long-term romantic relationships. The postponement of marriage has widened the gap in sexual activity between single individuals and those who are married or living together.
Gaming and Other Factors Contributing to Decline in Sexual Activity in Young Adults
The UCLS study researchers identified several factors that may be contributing to this decline.
- Economic uncertainties and educational pressures may lead young adults to prioritize other aspects of their lives. At the same time, the increased use of computers and online gaming has introduced alternative forms of relationships that may hinder the development of physical connections.
- Moreover, easy access to explicit online content in social media and Internet pornography featuring violence and coercion, can distort young adults’ perspectives on sex and influence their attitudes.
- Income disparities also play a role, as young adults with lower incomes are more likely to experience a lack of sexual activity. Discussions surrounding this phenomenon often touch upon the impact of dating apps on young men’s self-perception and their perception of women’s preferences.
While a decline in sexual activity may have positive outcomes, such as a decrease in unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, it can also lead to loneliness and rejection among those desiring sexual connections.
Social Media Influence on Teens
A separate study conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2022 found that there also have been significant shifts in the social media usage patterns of American teenagers aged 13 to 17. While this is a younger age group than the UCLA study above, the findings can help shed light on how to address the issues in psychotherapy.
- TikTok has emerged as a popular platform among teens, with 67% reporting its usage, while Facebook has experienced a decline, with only 32% of teens currently using it.
- YouTube remains the most popular platform, with 95% of teens using it, followed by TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, each used by approximately six-in-ten teens.
- Demographic differences were observed, with boys favoring YouTube, Twitch, and Reddit, while girls are more inclined toward TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat.
- The survey also revealed that 35% of teens use at least one of the top five platforms “almost constantly.”
Additionally, the study explored teens’ perceptions of their social media use.
- About 54% of teens find it at least somewhat difficult to give up social media, with girls more likely to express this sentiment.
- However, 55% believe they spend the right amount of time on social media, while 36% feel they spend too much time.
Furthermore, daily Internet usage among teens has increased from 92% in 2014-15 to 97% today, with the proportion of teens online almost constantly doubling from 24% to 46%. The findings are based on an online survey conducted by the Pew Research Center in April and May 2022 involving 1,316 American teenagers.
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Role of Behavioral Professionals
It is important for mental health providers to remain aware of evolving societal trends and adapt their approaches accordingly to provide effective support and guidance to young adults in navigating the complexities of gaming and social media in their mental well-being. Suggestions for mental health providers working with teens and young adults include the following:
- Recognize the impact of changing social dynamics: Acknowledge and address the shifting social landscape and its potential impact on teens’ and young adults’ mental health. This includes understanding the challenges of delayed milestones, such as moving out of parents’ homes and establishing long-term relationships.
- Incorporate discussions on sexuality and relationships: Given the decline in sexual activity among young adults, mental health providers should create a safe and non-judgmental space for discussing sexuality and relationships. This can involve addressing concerns, educating about consent and healthy relationships, and challenging misconceptions or distorted views arising from online pornography or other media.
- Address the role of technology and social media: Given the influence of computer games and social media on young adults’ lives, mental health providers should explore the impact of these digital platforms on mental well-being. Discussions may include strategies for establishing a healthy balance between online interactions and real-life relationships, managing screen time, and addressing potential negative effects, such as social comparison or cyberbullying.
- Provide coping strategies for economic stress: Economic insecurity was identified as one of the factors contributing to the decline in sexual activity. Mental health providers can offer support and coping strategies to help young adults navigate economic stress, such as financial planning, developing resilience, and seeking employment opportunities or educational resources.
- Foster resilience and self-improvement: Mental health providers can encourage young adults to focus on personal growth, self-improvement, and building self-esteem. This may involve empowering them to take control of their lives, supporting goal setting, promoting healthy habits, and facilitating the development of positive relationships and support networks.
- Digital Literacy and Online Safety Education: Provide psychoeducation to your clients on digital literacy, including online privacy, cyberbullying, and responsible social media use. Help them understand the potential risks and benefits of different platforms and teach strategies for maintaining online safety.
- Addressing Social Comparison and Self-Esteem: Given the prevalence of social media use and the potential negative impact on self-esteem, incorporate therapeutic interventions that focus on building self-confidence, promoting self-acceptance, and reducing social comparison tendencies. Help young people recognize the curated nature of social media and develop a healthy perspective on self-image.
- Managing Social Media Overuse: Assist young people in developing strategies to manage their social media usage and maintain a healthy balance between online and offline activities. Help them set realistic boundaries, establish designated screen-free times or areas, and encourage engagement in other fulfilling hobbies or interests.
- Promote Face-to-Face Interactions: Encourage clients to engage in face-to-face and offline activities to foster healthy social connections. Provide guidance on developing and maintaining meaningful relationships outside of social media platforms.
- Digital Detox and Self-Care: Educate young people on the importance of self-care and unplugging from social media periodically. Teach them strategies for taking intentional breaks, engaging in offline activities, and prioritizing their mental and emotional well-being.
Other Resources for Professionals
Healthcare professionals may also want to be aware of the dynamics of desire and craving associated with gaming addiction, self-help tools to support psychological well-being, depression treatment using digital CBT and mental health gaming as a mental health tool. By incorporating these and other treatment resources, behavioral health professionals can help their young clients navigate the complex landscape of social media use, promote healthy digital habits, and support their overall mental health and well-being.
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