2026 poised to redefine love and sex: digital threesomes, office romances, and a return to analogue dating

Experts say 2026 could be the 'year of pleasure' as dating apps wane and people seek more meaningful connections. Elizabeth Neumann, a qualified sexologist at Lovehoney, predicts a shift toward analogue dating, including office romances and speed-dating nights, alongside a growing interest in AI-assisted dating and digital fantasies.

Analogue dating is expected to coexist with new digital trends. The concept of a digital threesome describes relationships that incorporate AI on some scale, with people turning to AI for sex advice, dating feedback, and, in some cases, as a romantic partner. Lovehoney's data indicate a decline in dating-app use and a rise in in-person social spaces, a trend that sits alongside rapid digital innovations. In Britain, 15% of adults report using AI for sex advice, while a further 10% say they would like to try it.

One-night stands are described as receding. Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, appears to attach more meaning to sexual encounters than older generations. Younger adults living at home longer due to economic pressures also limit opportunities for casual sex, Neumann said.

Office romance is returning as firms move back to hybrid or in-person work. Lovehoney's data show that the share of people who have met a romantic or sexual partner at work fell from 41% among Boomers to 19% among Gen Z, but experts say the odds of meeting someone in the workplace are about to increase again as workplaces reopen.

Face-to-face encounters are thought to reintroduce non-verbal cues that are less visible online. Knight notes that body language accounts for roughly half of communication, making eye contact, posture, scent, and overall vibe important for authentic connection.

Digital dating tools remain part of the landscape. AI dating coaches and, in some cases, AI partners are described as part of 2026's digital threesomes trend.

Speed dating is expected to rebound, with bring-a-friend singles events and digital detox dating on the rise. Knight says analogue dating offers relief from screen fatigue and a chance to connect in person.

Playful pleasure: there is expected to be a boom in novelty sex toys with playful designs and mythical aesthetics. Neumann says the normalization of owning sex toys has progressed, with fewer stigmas than in earlier decades.

Age-gap romances are gaining acceptance, with emotional compatibility considered more important than age alone. Mulindwa emphasizes that growing confidence and breaking stereotypes drive this shift.

Separately, a study compiled from Reddit posts by researchers led by Menelaos Apostolou of the University of Nicosia lists 43 reasons some men remain single, ranging from low self-esteem and poor social skills to fear of commitment and money issues.

Together, the trends point to a 2026 in which people seek authentic connection across both digital and real-world spaces, balancing AI-assisted tools with the enduring appeal of face-to-face chemistry.