Survey reveals Gen Z prefers cleaning toilets over online dating and want less onscreen intimacy

No intimacy, please—we’re Gen Z. A recent UCLA study revealed that American viewers aged 10 to 24 are increasingly interested in seeing less intimate content onscreen.

Among the 1,500 participants, 51% expressed a desire for more content focused on platonic relationships and friendships. Meanwhile, 47.5% felt that intimacy is "isn’t needed" in most TV shows and movies, and 44% believe romance is "overused." Notably, 44% of those surveyed agreed that they'd "would rather clean the toilet" than go on an online date.

Another surprising finding was that 56% of respondents preferred original stories over franchises, adaptations, and remakes—a sentiment they share with older viewers. Additional insights include: — A strong dislike for racial stereotypes in shows, with negative portrayals of people of color being particularly frowned upon. — Gen Z views social media as "authentic media," with TikTok being seen as the most genuine platform, despite its issues with misinformation. — Their favorite story themes include "hopeful, uplifting content with people beating the odds" and "people with lives like my own."

Intimate activity rates have been declining for years, with the drop most pronounced among Gen Z. According to Psychology Today, they are having intimacy less frequently and with fewer partners, especially young men. This study follows the release of Jennifer Lawrence’s comedy No Hard Feelings on Netflix, which sparked social media debate over the necessity of the Oscar winner’s nude scene.