health
I’ve been on plenty of dates
Call it a crisis, call it a decline, call it a recession: the long, lusty snog is in trouble, harder to experience in real life or even watch on screen. But why? And what’s it like to think you may never lock lips with another?
TL;DR
- A significant number of adults report kissing less romantically than five years ago, with nearly one in five not having been kissed in over a year.
- Gen Z individuals often experience self-consciousness, lack of confidence, and fear of being bad at kissing, leading them to avoid opportunities.
- The decline in kissing is linked to broader societal trends like increased risk aversion, dependence on technology, reduced social interaction, and the erosion of traditional social spaces.
- Historical and cultural shifts, including the visual nature of modern media and the heightened awareness of consent due to movements like #MeToo, have also complicated the act of kissing.
- The lack of opportunities to meet people in person, combined with fears of rejection and online dating challenges, contributes to the decrease in kissing experiences.
- Experts suggest that the decline in kissing signifies a larger problem of reduced social connection, commitment, and belonging in society.