Intensions Study: Sex & Social Distancing

A new study by Intensions Consulting, a market research firm, and futurist Nikolas Badminton has found that social distancing may actually suit the sexual desires of many young Americans.

The study, which surveyed 2,025 United States residents, found that younger Americans were more likely to embrace virtual and online forms of intimacy. Among those aged 16 to 29:

- 29% said they would like to have virtual (VR) sex in the future; and

- 22% said they would like to be in a relationship that is entirely online in the future.

“Many young Americans have expressed interest in alternative forms of intimacy, such as virtual sex or entirely online relationships, that do not require any physical contact with a partner. As such, this period of social distancing could provide the perfect setting for them to explore their digital desires,” said study lead-author Nick Black, Managing Partner at Intensions Consulting.

The study also found that American men were more likely to express interest in virtual and online forms of intimacy. Among American males:

- 25% said they would like to have virtual (VR) sex in the future (compared to only 10 per cent of American females); and

- 20% said they would like to be in a relationship that’s entirely online in the future (compared to only 7 per cent of American females).

According to futurist and study co-author Nikolas Badminton, “There’s an ongoing redefinition of intimacy through the use of social networks, dating apps, online chat and texting as primary modes of communication early in relationships. Distance is becoming standard with in-person attraction coming second to the online clout of potential partners. We can look to Japan as a bellwethers of the effects - reduced real relationships, falling birthrates and aging populations."

ABOUT THE STUDY

These are findings from an Intensions Consulting study conducted between January 20, 2020 and January 28, 2020. For this study a 20-minute online survey was administered with a sample of 2,025 United States residents aged 16 years and older. The sample was stratified by gender, age, and region, to ensure that the sample’s composition reflected the underlying distribution of the population as determined by Census data. A traditional probability sample of comparable size would have produced results considered accurate to within plus or minus 2.2 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

For more information please visit: www.intensions.co/future-of-life

ABOUT INTENSIONS CONSULTING

Intensions Consulting Inc., is a market research company headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. We use statistics and psychology to find hidden insights and market opportunities for clients across North-America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. Our research findings have been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, and have been quoted by news organizations including the BBC, CBC, Daily Mail, and Toronto Star.

web: https://www.intensions.co

ABOUT NIKOLAS BADMINTON

Nikolas Badminton is a world-renowned futurist, speaker, and media producer. He leads the team Exponential Minds, an expert advisory firm that helps progressive governments, trillion-dollar companies, and media shift their mindset from ‘what is’ to ‘what if’. The result is companies with a deeper sense of empathy for humans, new innovative products, and a more equitable future.

web: https://nikolasbadminton.com