Whilegeneration Z and millennials clearly understand 'consent' as a prerequisite forengaging in sexual activity, both fear being judged for their thoughts whentalking about sex in a serious relationship, according to a survey released onMonday.
Itindicates that 59 per cent of the otherwise progressive Gen Z -- aged between18 and 24 years -- feel shy initiating conversations around sex in a seriousrelationship.
Thesurvey conducted by dating platform TrulyMadly assessed the understanding ofphysical and sexual well-being among young adults -- 2,500 in the age group of18 to 35 years across metros and non-metro cities.
Thefear of being judged also emerged as a common factor among millennials, with 53per cent indicating that they feel shy or awkward talking about sex in aserious relationship.
Thetaboo is more pronounced among women with 63 per cent indicating that they feelshy. Interestingly, despite the taboos they face, 76 per cent of women appearedto be more confident in purchasing condoms on behalf of their partners.
Further,nearly 50 per cent of the younger respondents from non-metro cities such asBhopal, Indore, Jaipur, and Lucknow, noted they do not understand theimplications of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), Sexually TransmittedDisease (STDs) and Reproductive Tract Infections (RTIs), while around 55 percent of the respondents stated that they would depend on their friends, use theinternet for home remedies or seek a medical opinion by themselves regardingany sexual or reproductive disease or infection.
"Inspiteof being progressive on most social issues, the younger generation continues tofeel stigmatised when it comes to talking about sex in a relationship,"said Snehil Khanor, Co-founder and CEO at TrulyMadly, in a statement.
Thefindings highlight the importance of a non-discriminatory and respectfulplatform for access to the right knowledge on sexual, reproductive health andwell-being for the younger generation. The company has launched a 'Safe Love'programme, which since last year is breaking barriers and making it easier forpeople to open up and be comfortable about their sexual health and well-being.
"Inthe long term, we hope this innovation will lead to a tangible increase indemand for quality reproductive and sexual health services and also free up theyounger generation of societal overhangs which may come in the way of havingmeaningful relationships," Khanor said.