Sex trends set to define 2026: digital threesomes, office romance and more
Experts predict a move toward analogue dating, AI-assisted coaching and renewed workplace connections as the ‘year of pleasure’ unfolds in 2026.
Experts say 2026 will be the ‘year of pleasure,’ with dating and sexual behavior shifting toward deeper, more meaningful connections as dating apps lose momentum. Elizabeth Neumann, a qualified sexologist at Lovehoney, outlined a future defined by a blend of real-world dating and digital tools, including digital threesomes, age-gap relationships and a revival of the office romance.
Neumann predicted a resurgence of analogue dating even as technology reshapes intimacy. ‘With dating apps in decline, we're seeing the return of analogue dating, from office romances to speed-dating nights,’ 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 is expected to coexist with tech-enabled options, as AI dating coaches become part of some couples' decision making and some individuals experiment with digital experiences that blend online guidance with in-person chemistry. The report notes that AI is already used as a dating coach for feedback on relationships, and some couples are exploring digital threesome concepts that mix human partners with artificial intelligence.
The shift toward more intentional connections comes as Gen Z shows a different attitude toward sex and timing than previous generations. Neumann points to evidence suggesting younger people attribute more meaning to sexual encounters. Data cited in the study indicate that 18- to 24-year-olds have had a drunken sexual encounter at a lower rate (about 15 percent) than 25- to 34-year-olds (roughly 69 percent), illustrating how social and personal contexts shape hookup culture. The trend is also linked to longer stays at home due to economic pressures and the housing crisis, which narrows opportunities for casual encounters for some young adults.
The return to the office as a social space for romance is another defining thread. As many companies move back to hybrid or in‑person models, Gen Z workers are entering office culture for the first time in a setting that could foster new connections. Lovehoney’s data shows a generational gap in romantic encounters at work: 41 percent of Boomers have met a romantic or sexual partner at work, compared with 19 percent of Gen Z. Analysts say the odds of meeting someone in the workplace are about to increase again as in-person interaction becomes more common. Annabelle Knight, Lovehoney’s sex and relationship expert, notes that face-to-face encounters re‑activate non-verbal cues—eye contact, body language, scent and the overall “vibe”—that digital platforms struggle to replicate.
What is a digital threesome? The term refers to a relationship that incorporates AI on some scale. Some people use AI for sex advice, others employ it as a dating coach, and a growing minority are experimenting with AI as a romantic partner. The report highlights that AI can serve as a sounding board for questions about intimacy and relationships, even as couples seek to retain the human connection at the core of their experiences.
A renewed appetite for in-person socializing is also shaping how singles approach dating. The report predicts a speed-dating resurgence, with ‘bring a friend’ single events and singles mixers coming back into fashion. In a climate of ‘swipe fatigue’ and growing skepticism about dating apps, many are drawn to dates that emphasize direct interaction and real-time chemistry. Knight argues that in-person dates offer a level of authentic connection that screens have not fully replicated, and a return to analogue dating could be seen as a reaction to digital fatigue.
The 2026 landscape also includes a growing interest in digital detox dating, where couples consciously choose screen-free dating environments to give each other their full attention. In an era when much of social life happens online, many singles are craving the tangible, unplugged experiences that foster better communication and more meaningful attraction.
On the technology front, digital threesomes have moved from a novelty to a broader conversation about how couples expand their sexual repertoire. The Lovehoney team notes that AI is increasingly present not only as a coach but as a potential partner for some, reflecting a wider cultural shift toward accepting technology as part of intimate life. While such use remains the exception rather than the rule, it signals a willingness to experiment and redefine boundaries around pleasure.
Playful pleasure also features prominently in 2026 expectations. Experts anticipate a boom in novelty and fantasy sex toys with playful designs and myth-inspired aesthetics. As taboos around sexuality continue to ease, ownership of sex toys becomes less of a milestone and more of a normal, everyday part of intimate life.
Age gap dating is another trend gaining traction. Sarah Mulindwa, Lovehoney’s sexual health expert, says the shift is about emotional compatibility and confidence rather than simply chasing youth. ‘Age gap dating is becoming more accepted because people are realising that emotional compatibility, not just age, is what sustains attraction,’ Mulindwa said. The broader cultural move toward accepting diverse relationship configurations reflects a more nuanced understanding of what constitutes a lasting connection.