New Study Uncovers Surprising Number of US Adults Who Are Virgins

It's Led to Some Astonishing Discoveries

A recent study has highlighted the unexpected number of adults in the US who remain virgins.

While many modern TV shows and films suggest that we're living in an open, transparent sex-positive society, this portrayal may not reflect reality, much like other aspects of showbiz.

In truth, sex may not be seen as the universal rite of passage into adulthood that it once was, according to this new study.

Data from DatingAdvice.com and the Kinsey Institute has shown that a significant number of adults, especially younger ones, are maintaining their virginity at surprising rates, with intriguing trends across genders and societal attitudes.

Based on a representative sample of 2,000 single adults aged 18 to 91, the research found that a remarkable one in five, approximately 22 percent, of the US population has never engaged in partnered sex.

Virginity is more prevalent among younger adults

Researchers Dr Justin Lehmiller and Dr Amanda Gesselman suggest that virginity is more common and less stigmatized than pop culture implies.

Moreover, within all generations, Gen Z and millennials seem to be leading the virginity trend.

According to the survey, nearly half of Gen Z adults (48 percent) and 26 percent of millennials identify as virgins.

Conversely, there are fewer '40-year-old virgins' than expected, as Gen X and Boomers are apparently more inclined to engage in sexual activity. Only 15.4 percent and 7.6 percent identified as virgins, respectively.

The researchers also debunked the stereotype that virginity is gender-specific, finding that both men (23 percent) and women (21 percent) report nearly identical rates of virginity.

Regarding dating, 55 percent of American adults stated they wouldn't be deterred from dating a virgin, further disproving the long-held belief that virginity might be considered a red flag or deal breaker.

Men seem to be less concerned about dating a virgin than women are

Younger generations are more accepting of dating a virgin, with Gen Z (69 percent) and millennials (60 percent) showing significant openness.

Interestingly, despite having fewer virgins in their age group, Gen X and Boomers are also quite open to dating a virgin, with 51 percent and 43 percent respectively willing to do so.

Men are more willing than women, with 64 percent compared to 45 percent, showing nearly a 20 percent difference.

The study indicates that women might be 'more cautious' about dating virgins, while men might see it as a 'non-issue'.

The researchers highlight that the study shows virginity spans multiple generations, demonstrating that the sexual recession 'isn't limited to teens and college-aged adults' as it 'continues' for those in their late 20s and 30s.

"This finding reflects an increasing trend of sexual abstinence among younger adults," the study notes.

"Instead, many young Americans may be choosing to postpone their sexual experiences due to various socioeconomic factors, such as mental health, shifting values, economic pressures, or a re-prioritization of relationships."