"Playboy" Survey: Stress and Bad News Lead to Decline in Sex - Germans report plummeting sex lives—singles hit hardest by stress and screens

A new survey has revealed a sharp decline in sexual activity among Germans, particularly singles. The study, conducted by Norstat for Playboy magazine, highlights stress, digital distractions, and bad news as key factors behind the drop. While couples report higher satisfaction, singles are experiencing both less sex and lower contentment.

The survey found that fewer singles are having sex regularly. Last year, 26 percent of unmarried respondents had sex multiple times a month—this year, that figure fell to just 17 percent. Sexual satisfaction among singles also dropped, from 33 percent to 24 percent in the same period.

Stress and negative news were the most common reasons for the decline, with nearly half of respondents blaming these factors. Another 11 percent pointed to digital distractions, such as smartphones and streaming, as a major influence. The study also noted a drop in desire, with 42 percent of women and 30 percent of men reporting less interest in sex lately.

Couples fared better, though their activity also declined. Just over half of those in relationships still had sex several times a month, down from previous years. Despite this, nearly two-thirds of couples described themselves as sexually satisfied.

The findings suggest a growing gap between singles and couples in terms of sexual activity and satisfaction. While external pressures like stress and digital habits play a role, the survey does not provide a full explanation for the shift. No recent data exists to compare Germany's trends with other European countries.