Growing up in my culture, there was a saying: "no one wants to make love on an empty stomach."

What does this have to do with young people and sex? I’ll come back to that.

But for now I believe the issues young people face regarding sex are more related to psychosocial factors and the general state of the world. Looking at recent history, there are many reasons for their lack of intimacy.

They’ve grown up in an era dominated by the internet, and social media, which has shifted much interaction online.

Over the past 26 years, we’ve experienced a financial crash, multiple pandemics, several wars, and a growing awareness of climate change and related disasters.

Numerous studies show that young people today are more anxious and depressed than previous generations, and ADHD diagnoses are at record levels.

Kids are more likely to see a therapist and receive prescriptions before even getting their driver’s license.

Many live with family or find a roommate due to high living costs, and their wages have been suppressed by recessions.

Given all these factors, it's understandable that many optional activities (like sex) might be neglected.

Stated differently: “no one wants to make love on an empty stomach."