The sex trends set to define 2026 - including 'digital threesomes'

by · Mail Online

You probably won't discuss it around the Christmas dinner table – but experts have revealed the sex trends set to define 2026.

Similar to how fashion, tech and lifestyle trends change over time, sexual behaviour also experiences cultural shifts.

Elizabeth Neumann, a qualified sexologist at Lovehoney, has detailed the ways that dating, sex and relationships might change over the next 12 months.

She predicts 2026 will be the 'year of pleasure' – with the rise of 'digital threesomes', age–gap relationships and the return of the office romance.

And it might even herald the death of the one–night stand.

'With dating apps in decline, we're seeing the return of analogue dating, from office romances to speed–dating nights,' she said.

'This trend could unfold in stark contrast to technological advancements, with technology itself seducing us through AI dating coaches, digital threesomes, and fantasy–fuelled escapism.

'Empowered with more knowledge about our bodies and less shame around pleasure than ever before, 2026 will see us searching for meaningful, satisfying connections.'

While the majority of Boomers and Gen X–ers met their other half at the club, Millennials and Gen Z are more likely to find their partner on a dating app

The death of the one–night stand

Once a rite of passage for many – and a plotline in almost every romcom – the one–night stand is in danger of going extinct, Ms Neumann says.

Data suggests that Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, are more likely to attribute 'meaning' to sexual encounters compared to other generations.

On the topic of 'body count', younger people were by far the most likely to apply significance to this number, she explained.

Meanwhile a previous survey showed that 15 per cent of 18 to 24–year–olds have had a drunken sexual encounter compared to 69 per cent of 25 to 34–year–olds.

'Without the inhibition–lowering effects of alcohol or specific spaces where hooking up is socially sanctioned, it is no wonder that one–night stands are in decline,' Ms Neumann said.

The fact that younger people are living at home for longer – due to the economy and the housing crisis – is also having an impact on one–night stands, she explained.

'This generation has been brought up in a society that treats sexuality in a completely different way to their parents,' she added. 'Gen Z have grown up chronically online and this has shaped their sexuality, both positively and negatively.'

The fact that younger people are living at home for longer – due to the economy and the housing crisis – is also having an impact on one–night stands (stock image)  

The return of the office romance

Some Gen Z may be experiencing office culture for the first time as companies return to a hybrid or fully in–person model following years of working from home.

This will give them a whole new social space to explore new connections, experts said.

Lovehoney's data shows that the number of people who have met a romantic or sexual partner at work has waned, decreasing from 41 per cent of Boomers to 19 per cent of Gen Z.

But the odds of meeting someone in the workplace are about to 'exponentially increase'.

The use of dating apps is also declining, fuelled by 'swipe fatigue' and general mistrust in the dating scene, the specialists revealed.

'From a psychological perspective, face–to–face encounters activate non–verbal cues we've lost online,' Lovehoney's sex and relationship expert Annabelle Knight said.

'With body language accounting for around 50 per cent of our overall communication, it's easy to see why people want more... eye contact, body positioning, scent, and the general 'vibe' of a person all help to build attraction more authentically than any algorithm can.'

The odds of meeting someone in the workplace are about to 'exponentially increase', according to the experts (stock image) 

What is a digital threesome?

A digital threesome refers to a relationship that incorporates AI on some scale. 

While some people use AI for sex advice, others turn to it as a dating coach – asking for feedback on current or budding relationships. 

Some are even going so far as to bring in AI as a romantic partner.  

Speed dating resurgence

A throwback to good old–fashioned speed dating is on the cards, the report predicts, along with 'bring a friend' single parties and singles mixers.

There will also be a rise in digital detox dating, where dates are purposely chosen in a screen–free environment to allow partners to fully focus on each other.

'In a world where so much of our interaction happens through a screen, it's hardly surprising that people are now craving genuine human connection again,' Ms Knight said. 'Analogue dating is a bit of rebellion against digital fatigue.'

Digital threesomes

Forget couples counselling or a saucy mini–break – when it comes to spicing up their sex lives, British couples are turning to AI, the report says.

According to the report, 15 per cent of Brits use AI for sex advice – while a further 10 per cent have stated that they would like to.

Others are using AI as a dating coach, asking bots for feedback on current, or budding relationships. Meanwhile, some Brits are even going so far as to bring AI in as a romantic partner.

With sex still seen as a taboo subject by many Brits, AI has served as a helpful sounding board when it comes to questions about intimacy

Playful pleasure

The experts said they predict a boom in novelty and fantasy sex toys featuring 'cute designs and mythical vibes'.

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'As sexual taboos continue to be broken down, the idea of 'owning a sex toy' becomes less of a big deal, or a big moment in one's life,' Ms Neumann added.

'Rather than being something that defines someone – think of the stigma around owning a sex toy in the era of Sex and the City – it has become so mainstream that it's seen as entirely normal.'

Age gap romances

'Age gap dating is becoming more accepted because people are realising that emotional compatibility, not just age, is what sustains attraction,' Sarah Mulindwa, Lovehoney's sexual health expert, said.

'It's not about chasing youth, it's about embracing a new kind of confidence.'

TOP 43 REASONS MEN ARE STILL SINGLE

Scientists led by Menelaos Apostolou from the University of Nicosia in Cyprus anonymously asked men on Reddit why they thought they were still single.

They analysed more than 6,700 comments and revealed the top 43 reasons why people are unable to find a partner.

Here is the complete list —

  1. Poor looks (including baldness, and short stature)
  2. Low self-esteem/confidence 
  3. Low effort 
  4. Not interested in relationships 
  5. Poor flirting skills 
  6. Introverted 
  7. Recently broke up 
  8. Bad experiences from previous relationships 
  9. No available women 
  10. Overweight 
  11. Different priorities 
  12. Shyness
  13. Too picky 
  14. Anxiety 
  15. Lack of time 
  16. Social awkward 
  17. Enjoying being single 
  18. Depression 
  19. Poor character 
  20. Difficult to find women to match 
  21. Poor mental health
  22. Lack of achievements 
  23. Stuck with one girl 
  24. Lack of social skills 
  25. Have not got over previous relationship 
  26. Don’t know how to start a relationship 
  27. Lack of money 
  28. I do not trust women 
  29. Not picking up clues of interest
  30. Sexual issue 
  31. Fear of relationships 
  32. 'I am not interesting'
  33. Fear of rejection 
  34. 'I will not be a good partner' 
  35. Attracted to the wrong women
  36. Homosexual 
  37. Given up
  38. Is not worth the effort 
  39. Fear of commitment 
  40. Health — disability issue
  41. Difficult to keep a relationship 
  42. Addictions
  43. Other