A growing number of young people are identifying as greysexual—a term describing individuals who experience sexual attraction only occasionally, rarely, or under specific circumstances.
The concept has been gaining significant traction online, with the Reddit community r/Greysexuality attracting over 8,300 active members, according to MailOnline.
Greysexual YouTuber and podcaster Mark, known online as @notdefining, describes it as experiencing “a bit of sexual attraction, but to a low degree,” distinguishing it from being entirely asexual. He calls the label “immensely helpful,” explaining:
“It helps people understand that I do experience sexual attraction, I do have sex, I enjoy sexual fantasies—but I feel them to a significantly lower degree than most people.”
The rise in greysexual identification comes alongside a broader trend: studies show Millennials and Gen Z are reporting fewer sexual partners and less frequent intimacy compared to previous generations at the same age. This so-called “sex recession” is often linked to factors such as anxiety, changing cultural norms, and the influence of technology.
US journalist Carter Sherman, author of The Second Coming, interviewed over 100 young people and found many were affected by a mix of miseducation, the influence of pornography, digital disconnection, and political debates over sexual rights. She noted that social media–driven body image pressures and a climate of “fear and shame” around sex also play a role.
The term greysexual, sometimes called grey-A, first appeared in 2006 on the Asexual Visibility and Education Network, referring to the “grey area” between being fully asexual and regularly experiencing sexual attraction.
The identity is considered part of a spectrum, which can also include demisexuality—where sexual attraction occurs only after forming a strong emotional bond. This term entered mainstream conversation when singer Tulisa Contostavlos revealed on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! that she identifies as demisexual.
Some experts warn that platforms like TikTok and Reddit may be accelerating the spread of niche identity terms, potentially overcomplicating how people view sex and relationships. Others see the trend as empowering, giving individuals language and community to better understand and express their experiences.
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