NEW YORK, Feb. 9, 2026 — A startling new survey has revealed that more than one in three American college students admit to scrolling on their phones during sex, underscoring the extent of digital dependency among Gen Z. 

The study, conducted through the anonymous social media apps YikYak and Sidechat, polled 100,000 students aged 18 and older across the United States. Of those surveyed, 35 percent confessed to checking their devices mid-intimacy, whether to send a quick text or watch a TikTok video.

Researchers say the findings highlight how deeply ingrained smartphones have become in the daily lives of young adults, even in the most private of moments. “More than one-third of American college students say they’ve scrolled on their phone during sex,” the survey reported, calling the behavior proof of “just how screen-addicted Gen Z Americans have become.”

The survey also explored other intimate behaviors among students. Nearly a quarter admitted to having sex while their roommate was in the room, while an overwhelming 72 percent said they had engaged in sexual activity without discussing their STI status with their partner. 

These numbers raise concerns among sexual health experts, who warn that the combination of distraction, lack of communication, and risky behavior could have long-term consequences for both physical and emotional well-being.

The phenomenon of phone use during sex is part of a broader trend of technology shaping relationships and intimacy. Studies have shown that constant connectivity can erode focus and reduce emotional presence, with some psychologists warning that it may contribute to feelings of detachment between partners.

While some may dismiss the act as harmless multitasking, experts caution that it reflects a deeper cultural shift. “It’s not just about the phone,” one researcher explained. “It’s about how technology is rewiring our expectations of attention, intimacy, and connection.”

The findings have sparked debate on campuses nationwide, with students themselves divided. Some argue that phone use during sex is simply a reflection of modern life, while others see it as a troubling sign of disconnection. As one student anonymously posted on Sidechat, “If I can’t put my phone down for 10 minutes, maybe I need to rethink my priorities.”

This survey adds to a growing body of research on the sexual behaviors of college students, including studies on choking during sex, which has been reported by more than half of female students and linked to potential cognitive risks. 

Together, these findings paint a complex picture of intimacy in the digital age — one where pleasure, risk, and distraction increasingly collide.