Gen Z's Desire for Deeper Relationships in Film and TV Leads to Less Sex on Screen: UCLA Study

A study conducted by UCLA reveals that American viewers between the ages of 10 and 24, known as Gen Z, want to see less sex onscreen and more content about platonic relationships and friendships. They feel that sex is not necessary for most TV shows and movies, and that romance is overused. Additionally, they prefer original stories over franchises, adaptations, and remakes. Gen Z also dislikes racial stereotypes in shows and considers social media, particularly TikTok, to be "authentic media." Their favorite themes in stories are hopeful and uplifting content with relatable characters. Rates of sexual activity have been declining among Gen Z, with lower frequencies of sex reported compared to older age groups. The study comes after a debate sparked on social media about the necessity of Jennifer Lawrence's nude scene in the film "No Hard Feelings."