Sex trends set to define 2026: digital threesomes, office romance and a shift toward analogue dating

Experts forecast 2026 as the year of pleasure, a pivot in dating and sexual culture driven by changing attitudes toward intimacy and new technologies. Elizabeth Neumann, a qualified sexologist at Lovehoney, describes 2026 as a moment when people seek meaningful, satisfying connections even as digital tools reshape romance. She predicts the year will feature a mix of digital innovations and face-to-face dating rituals, including a rise in analogue dating, the return of the office romance, and more nuanced conversations about consent, pleasure, and desire.

With dating apps in decline, Neumann notes that people are returning to more traditional dating settings. “From office romances to speed‑dating nights, we’re seeing the return of analogue dating,” she said. “This trend could unfold in stark contrast to technological advancements, with technology itself seducing us through AI dating coaches, digital threesomes, and fantasy‑fuelled escapism. Empowered with more knowledge about our bodies and less shame around pleasure than ever before, 2026 will see us searching for meaningful, satisfying connections.”

Analogue dating’s resurgence comes as the broader dating ecosystem shifts away from heavy reliance on apps and toward more in-person encounters. The social shift is also framed by workplaces reopening after years of remote work. Neumann notes that the office can become a social space where connections are formed again, even as some data points show generational differences in how people previously met partners at work. Lovehoney’s data indicates the historical share of people who met a romantic or sexual partner at work falls from 41% among Boomers to 19% among Gen Z, but experts expect workplace-based connections to rise as hybrid and in-person environments expand. Annabelle Knight, Lovehoney’s sex and relationship expert, adds that face‑to‑face interactions reintroduce nonverbal cues—eye contact, body language, scent and overall “vibe”—that can be harder to gauge online, potentially boosting genuine attraction.

What is a digital threesome? A digital threesome refers to a relationship that incorporates AI on some scale. While some people use AI for sex advice, others turn to it as a dating coach—asking for feedback on current or budding relationships. Some are even going so far as to bring in AI as a romantic partner. The trend sits alongside a broader movement toward technology‑assisted intimacy, in which couples use digital tools to explore fantasies, negotiate boundaries, or seek guidance on communication and consent.

Speed dating is also making a comeback in a bid to cut through digital fatigue. Reports describe a renewed appetite for “bring a friend” singles mixers and speed‑dating events, as well as a growing interest in digital detox dating—dates conducted in screen‑free environments to help couples focus on each other. Knight emphasizes that, in a world where much interaction happens through screens, people crave authentic human connection and the signals that come from real-life presence. “Analogue dating is a bit of rebellion against digital fatigue,” she said.

Digital threesomes, meanwhile, are sparking conversations about how far people want to integrate AI into intimate life. The report notes that around 15% of Brits currently use AI for sex advice, with a further 10% saying they would like to, and some experimenting with AI as a dating coach or even a partner. While some couples lean into AI as a sounding board for questions about intimacy, others are exploring AI as a companion, a development that raises ongoing debates about consent, privacy and emotional boundaries.

Playful pleasure is another anticipated driver of 2026 trends. Experts foresee a boom in novelty and fantasy sex toys with designs that blend whimsy and myth, reflecting a broader cultural shift toward normalizing ownership of sex‑tech products. Neumann says ownership of sex toys is becoming a mainstream aspect of personal wellness rather than a defining moment of one’s sexuality, echoing changes from prior decades toward less stigma and greater openness.

Age‑gap dating is also growing in acceptance, with confidence and emotional compatibility taking greater priority. Sarah Mulindwa, Lovehoney’s sexual health expert, says the focus is shifting from chasing youth to pursuing connections where maturity and mutual understanding sustain attraction over time. “Age gap dating is becoming more accepted because people are realizing that emotional compatibility, not just age, is what sustains attraction,” Mulindwa notes. “It’s not about chasing youth, it’s about embracing a new kind of confidence.”

The culture shift is also intertwined with broader socioeconomic realities. Analysts note that many younger people are living at home longer because of the economy and housing pressures, which can influence dating patterns and opportunities for forming new relationships. In this context, a move toward in-person dating rituals and more intentional partnerships may reflect a desire for stability and meaningful connection amid uncertainty.

Together, these trends paint a picture of 2026 as a year when couples and hopeful singles experiment with hybrid models of dating that blend digital convenience with real‑world connection. They reflect a broader cultural shift toward open conversations about consent, pleasure, and emotional honesty, alongside continued curiosity about how AI and other technologies should shape intimate life. While not every trend will apply to every person or circumstance, experts say the defining theme will be a recalibrated approach to dating: less about screens and instant gratification, more about connection, communication, and mutual satisfaction.

The notes also include a separate, far-reaching list cataloging dozens of reasons why people remain single, underscoring that relationship dynamics are influenced by a wide array of factors—from confidence and timing to health and life priorities. While such lists offer reflection on social patterns, the core 2026 narrative remains centered on how people seek meaningful bonds in a rapidly changing world.

In its overall arc, the coming year is framed as a testing ground for balancing technology with humanity: AI as a guide, not a substitute for empathy; dates as opportunities for authentic interaction; and relationships that prioritize shared values and genuine connection over convenience alone. As the year unfolds, couples and singles alike will navigate a landscape where the pace of digital life meets the impulse for tangible intimacy.