Abbiamo sempre meno rapporti sessuali: perché cala il nostro desiderio?

Summary

The video script explores the declining trend in sexual activity, especially among the younger population, discussing various factors that may contribute to this phenomenon. It touches on the influence of pornography, social media, work stress, and the potential impact of climate change and economic insecurity. The conversation also considers the role of technology and societal changes since the sexual revolution of the 1960s and 70s, suggesting that the decrease in sexual activity is a complex issue with no single cause.

Takeaways

• 📉 The script discusses a decline in sexual activity, particularly among younger generations, despite societal progress and increased openness about sex.
• 🌍 The decrease in sexual activity is a global phenomenon, observed not only in Italy but also in countries like the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Finland.
• 🛌 During the COVID-19 pandemic, contrary to initial beliefs that staying at home would increase sexual activity, the opposite occurred, possibly due to stress and behavioral changes.
• 🧬 Some psychologists suggest a 'behavioral immune system' where the brain might have suppressed the desire to procreate during challenging times like the pandemic.
• 💊 The sexual revolution of the 1960s and 1970s, marked by the liberalization of the contraceptive pill and social movements, significantly changed attitudes towards sex and relationships.
• 📉 The script highlights a study showing that in 2019, 23% of Americans under 35 did not have any sexual activity for the entire year, indicating a significant decline in sexual activity before the pandemic.
• 💻 The script points to the impact of pornography and the internet on sexual behavior, with some suggesting that excessive consumption of pornographic material may lead to desensitization and decreased sexual desire.
• 👥 The use of social media and technology is also implicated in the decline of sexual activity, potentially replacing real-life interactions and relationships.
• 🛌 The script mentions the potential for 'sexual addiction' to internet pornography, with some researchers suggesting it should be recognized as a psychiatric disorder.
• 🌡️ The script touches on the influence of environmental factors, such as climate change and CO2 levels, on sexual desire, suggesting a complex interplay of physical and psychological factors.
• 🤔 The script concludes by emphasizing that the decline in sexual activity is likely due to a combination of factors, including work stress, economic insecurity, and societal changes, rather than a single cause.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video script?

The main topic discussed in the video script is the decline in sexual activity among people, especially in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and other societal factors.

Who are the two main speakers in the video script?

The two main speakers in the video script are Silvia Boccardi and Silvia Lazzari, a colleague and friend who has studied science communication at Imperial College.

What is the 'behavioral immune system' theory mentioned in the script?

The 'behavioral immune system' theory suggests that during difficult times, such as a pandemic, our brains might signal us to avoid procreation and pairing as a survival mechanism, potentially leading to a decrease in sexual desire.

What does the script suggest about the sexual activity of Italians during the pandemic?

The script suggests that contrary to initial beliefs that staying at home would increase sexual activity, Italians, like many others, did not significantly reduce their sexual activity during the pandemic compared to before.

What percentage of Americans under 35 reportedly had no sexual activity in 2019?

According to a study mentioned in the script, approximately 23% of Americans under 35 had no sexual activity in 2019.

What historical period is discussed in relation to the sexual revolution?

The script discusses the sexual revolution in relation to the 1960s and 1970s, a time when the use of the contraceptive pill became more widespread and societal attitudes towards sex began to change.

What is the role of pornography in the decline of sexual activity as discussed in the script?

The script suggests that the easy access to pornography may have changed people's sexual habits, possibly leading to a decrease in real-life sexual activity due to the immediate and free gratification it provides.

How has the use of the internet and social media potentially impacted sexual activity according to the script?

The script implies that the constant use of the internet and social media, as well as the blurring of work-life boundaries, may have reduced the time and energy available for sexual activity, contributing to its decline.

What is the 'sexual satisfaction' theory mentioned in the script in relation to climate change?

The script refers to a study suggesting that higher temperatures may reduce the number of births, implying that climate change could have an impact on sexual desire. Another study mentioned suggests that high levels of CO2 can increase serotonin levels, potentially affecting sexual desire.

What factors were identified in the non-scientific study conducted among the script's speakers' colleagues?

The non-scientific study identified factors such as work-related stress, anxiety, dissatisfaction, consumption of pornographic material, use of social media and technological devices, environmental factors, and drug and alcohol use as potential impacts on sexual desire.

What was the surprising finding from the non-scientific study among the colleagues?

The surprising finding from the non-scientific study was that 10% of the colleagues reported never having sex, and the factors impacting their libido were ranked differently than expected, with anxiety and dissatisfaction being more significant than work-related stress.