Generation Z are redefining traditional relationships with a more laissez-faire approach.

Modern relationships aren’t what they used to be. Enter the ‘situationship.’ The model endorsed by Gen Z (anyone born between 1997 and 2012). 

A situationship isn’t just a hookup; they tend to be more casual and less serious than the traditional relationship model focused on commitment and marriage. Situationships focus more on the present moment, not so much the future. 

Younger generations are less willing to rush into committed relationships like previous generations, and that’s because so much has changed over the years. Updates to modern technology, such as app dating, the introduction of remote work, and digital nomad fever affect everything from how we travel to how we consume and process information, and how we date.

When you look at how many Gen Zers are single compared to just two generations ago, an obvious trend emerges – Gen Zers prefer an alternative to the conventional ‘til death do us part. 

Gen Zers may prefer short-term casual dating due to how fast-paced life has become. The younger generations are strapped for time between working multiple jobs to afford the high housing costs and skyrocketing inflation rates. Anxiety about basic necessities and the ability to pay bills leaves little room for sweeping romantic commitments. 

Stress, depression, and anxiety could play a role in the desire to keep it casual. Research indicates that Gen Z is the most stressed-out generation to date. And there’s no shortage of reasons between an unprecedented pandemic, global and civil unrest, climate change, unemployment, and the state of the economy they’ve inherited. Long-term or more serious relationships require time and energy that younger generations don’t seem to have. 

Cultural changes in attitudes around sexuality and gender may contribute just as much as the economic crises. Gen Zers are taking the time to understand more about their identity and how they align instead of accepting the gender assigned at birth. Many are curious about or align with alternative relationship styles such as ethical non-monogamy (ENM). 

RECOMMENDED READ: Interest in Non-monogamy Grows Worldwide, but the Reason Why Is Not So Clear

For those pursuing non-monogamous relationships, the relationship escalator might be restrictive. The relationship escalator is the assumption that there is a natural progression once getting into a relationship, such as dating exclusively, cohabitating, marriage, and starting a family. These expectations and assumptions carry much weight and pressure for younger generations struggling with so many moving pieces. 

Whether or not relational pressures and expectations are the main drivers, there seems to be less of a priority on the white picket fence ideal and more emphasis on personal happiness and fulfillment that moves away from commonly established ideals. 

Situationships get a bad reputation as promoting hook-up culture and impermanence, but they are more than a want for sexual diversity and freedom. Situationships can be a time for people to get to know each other and figure out if they want things to progress, and in what capacity. It’s common for Gen Z couples to want to date for several months before deciding whether or not to pursue something more serious together; this allows both parties the space and freedom not to be rushed into big, important decisions about their future.

That being said, there can be a darker side to situationships. These dynamics can become unhealthy when there is a lack of clear communication, unmet expectations, or people who treat these interactions as transactional rather than personal. However, these same paradigms exist in traditional, monogamous relationships too. It all boils down to personal responsibility, accountability, and emotional maturity. 

Younger generations are questioning societal norms and embracing a more fluid style of relationship dynamics. Every new generation builds upon previous ideals – one could argue it’s the natural evolution of things. In the case of Gen Z, they want the right to define what commitment looks like to them. And why shouldn’t they? After all, it’s their life. 

Image Sources: Unsplash, Pexels

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Searching “sex tech” directly on Reddit can work, but you might miss out on valuable knowledge.

As one of the fastest-growing industries, sex tech research can be overwhelming for any professional.

One of the most common searchable sites next to google is Reddit. Subreddit communities have been a blessing when it comes to research. 

Most people think the most valuable information comes from searching “sex tech” directly on Reddit. While there are sex tech-specific subreddits like r/SexToys, r/SexToysCollection, or r/ToyControl—sometimes even more beneficial knowledge exists on the peripheral. 

That’s why we found five helpful subreddits that every sex tech professional should join.

r/psychologyofsex

The r/pyschologyofsex subreddit opens the conversation around the basics of psychology on sexuality. This thread features thought-provoking discussions between adults while hosting an open, communicative space. 

Some posts contain information on sexual motivations, mental illness’s role on intimacy and sex drive, various research studies, communication between partners, toy recommendations, and technology—including virtual sex and apps that can teach you how to masturbate.  

r/startups

Any business owner should look into r/startups. 

Here, you can find valuable information on the dos and don’ts for your startup. Other business owners network, share basic principles and experiences, and discuss hot-button issues. This subreddit helps business owners gain insight into building a startup.

r/naughtylistnews

For any industry, it’s essential to stay up to date with news. One helpful subreddit for this is r/naughtylistnews. 

The moderator releases a visual newsletter of events in adult gaming monthly. Sex tech professionals may find this helpful because the games include everything from lust to love. Reading about sex from a gaming standpoint can help better understand what humans need sexually.

RELATED READ: The Power of Letting Kinky Reddit Users Control Your Sex Toys

r/sexover30

r/sexover30 is a great place to look, especially for a specific demographic for consumers over the age of 30. The subreddit includes questions from adults who are 30 to 55 years old expressing their curiosity about sex, relationship troubles, advice in bed, and general questions about sexuality.

Using these threads to conduct market research benefits anyone new or old as a sex tech professional. Find out who your customer is, their needs, and if your business model needs to change.

r/sex

r/sex has over two million followers. Professionals can utilize this subreddit to find out what people are looking for regarding their wants and needs sexually. 

By communicating their experiences with other Redditors online, we can hear an audience express how they feel about a once taboo topic. Being able to read these perspectives gives us a chance to design something that can benefit them. Sharing business ideas while communicating with people is a great way to get people interested in what you are selling. 

Reddit can be used as a way to gain knowledge but also connect with prospects. It’s dependent on what you make out of it.

Editor’s note: Future of Sex also has a subreddit—r/futureofsex—where you can keep up with our latest articles and industry news.

Image sources: Eva Blue

The post 5 Subreddits Every Sex Tech Professional Should Join appeared first on Future of Sex.

Oral sex app features 64 options for identity, desires, and kinks.

It’s no secret modern dating culture changed over the years, especially with the pandemic. There is now an app for meeting people who desire oral sex.

ThotExperiment, an LGBTQ-founded tech startup, wants to eradicate societal labels used in dating culture. That’s why it launched the Headero app, a gender-inclusive platform for open-minded individuals seeking exploration and a physical connection.

Founder Stephen Quaderer built Headero after exploring his sexuality on traditional dating apps as a gay man (he identifies as Gay and Pan).

“Dating apps are currently segmented for gay and heteronormative spaces, making it difficult to explore your desires across all genders or orientations,” says Quaderer.

“We created Headero because everyone loves oral pleasure; it’s not just a gay or straight desire.”

Profile users can customize their experience with the following settings:

• Two types of connectivity: eager to please and those eager to be pleased.
• Ten types of oral sex include rough, rimming, glory hole, spitting, and more.
• 21 gender identities.
• Seven preferences of interaction: chatting, cuckolding, polyamory, dates, and more.
• 24 Interests ranging from voyeurism, pegging, roleplay to tickling, feet, and gagging.
• 18 options for the body type.
• Four options for STI-status.
• Three options for COVID status.

After completing the profile, Headero will only show 20 profiles of nearby users. It eliminates the risk of hooking up through the app by omitting individual locations as a unique safety feature.

A free version of this app is available, and a premium version is known as “Bliss Mode.” It offers extra features such as unlimited profile views, filtering profiles based on kinks and desires, and the ability to see who has favorited your profile.

With over 64 options for identity, desires, and kinks, this app connects consenting individuals who love oral pleasure regardless of sexuality and identity.

Image sources: Headero, MAV PR

The post Headero: A Gender-inclusive Dating App for Oral Pleasure appeared first on Future of Sex.