Sex trends set to define 2026: digital threesomes, office romance and the return of analogue dating

Experts say 2026 could be the “year of pleasure,” with sexual behavior shifting toward more meaningful connections even as technology remains influential. Elizabeth Neumann, a licensed sexologist at Lovehoney, says the coming year will blend digital tools with a renewed appetite for analogue dating and more satisfying relationships.

She projects a mix of trends including digital threesomes, AI dating coaches, and fantasy-inspired play alongside a resurgence of in-person dating rituals such as office romances and speed-dating events. “With dating apps in decline, we’re seeing a move back to analogue dating, from office romances to speed-dating nights,” Neumann said. “This trend could sit in contrast to how technology continues to seduce us, with AI dating coaches, digital threesomes, and fantasy-fuelled escapism playing a role. But empowered with more knowledge about our bodies and less stigma around pleasure, 2026 could be a year of more meaningful, satisfying connections.”

Data indicate a generational split in how people meet partners: Boomers and Gen X have historically found partners in traditional spaces, while Millennials and Gen Z are more likely to connect via dating apps. The shift toward analogue dating sits alongside a growing interest in AI-driven guidance, ongoing digital experimentation, and a lingering appetite for human connection in real-world settings.

The one-night stand is facing questions about its staying power. Elizabeth Neumann notes that Gen Z is more likely to place meaning on sexual encounters than previous generations, contributing to a decline in casual hookups. A separate set of data shows a divergence in experiences by age: about 15% of 18- to 24-year-olds report having had a drunken sexual encounter, compared with roughly 69% of 25- to 34-year-olds. Factors such as longer periods living at home — driven by economic conditions and the housing crisis — also affect opportunities for casual dating. Neumann observed that Gen Z has grown up chronically online, shaping attitudes toward sexuality in ways that are both positive and negative.

The return of the office romance is another defining element. As companies move back toward hybrid or full in-person work, some observers see the workplace as a social space with renewed potential for connections. Lovehoney data show that the share of people who have met a romantic or sexual partner at work has fallen in past decades, from about 41% among Boomers to 19% among Gen Z; nonetheless, experts say the odds of meeting someone in the workplace are poised to rise again in a more connected office culture. Annabelle Knight, Lovehoney’s sex and relationship expert, says face-to-face encounters help rekindle nonverbal cues that online interactions often miss. “With body language accounting for about 50% of our communication, it’s natural that people seek more eye contact, body positioning, scent, and the overall ‘vibe’ of a person,” Knight said. “That authentic signal often outpaces what any algorithm can offer.”

A growing concept in relationships is the digital threesome, which involves AI on a meaningful role in dating or sexual life. A segment of the population uses AI as a sex-advice source or as a dating coach, with some even inviting AI into romantic dynamics. The idea reflects a broader trend of blending technology and intimacy as people seek personalized guidance and new experiences in a monitored, consent-based context. Neumann outlined how AI may function in this space: as a confidant for dating feedback, a planning assistant for intimate moments, and, for a minority, a companion of sorts.

Concurrently, there is a resurgence in analogue dating formats. A wave of speed-dating events, “bring a friend” singles parties, and curated mixers is expected to gain traction as people push back against screen fatigue. Knight described analogue dating as a rebellion against digital saturation, emphasizing the value of human connection in environments designed to encourage spontaneous, in-person conversation. She noted that, in a landscape saturated with apps, there is a desire to reclaim direct interaction as a trusted path to attraction.

For those who still rely on digital tools, some trends are clearly defined. The report notes that roughly 15% of Britons use AI for sex advice, with another 10% saying they would be open to it. Others are turning to AI as dating coaches, seeking feedback on existing relationships or budding connections. Some couples even invite AI to participate as a romantic partner in a controlled, consensual way. In this context, AI is less about replacing human partners and more about augmenting the process of making intimate choices and communicating preferences.

Amid these shifts, there is a push toward playful, fantasy-inspired sexual experiences. The experts expect a boom in novelty sex toys with cute designs and mythical aesthetics as social taboos continue to erode. Neumann said mainstream acceptance of sex toys means ownership is less about a rite of passage and more about ordinary self-care and partner play. The lens here is less about rebellion and more about normalization, with people adopting a broader vocabulary to discuss desire and pleasure.

Age-gap dating also features prominently in the 2026 outlook. Lovehoney’s experts say age-gap romances are increasingly accepted, grounded in the belief that emotional compatibility, rather than raw youth, sustains attraction. Sarah Mulindwa, Lovehoney’s sexual health expert, emphasizes confidence and maturity as the core drivers in these relationships, noting that societal perceptions are shifting to embrace diverse pairings that cross generations.

The discussion of trends is complemented by broader social research on singlehood. A separate compilation of reasons why men stay single, drawn from conversations on Reddit and other sources, underscores the complexity of dating in modern times. The list includes factors such as low self-esteem, poor flirting skills, anxiety, and time constraints, reflecting a wide spectrum of dynamics that influence relationship trajectories.

Overall, the 2026 outlook paints a landscape where technology remains a powerful influence, but concrete human interaction and meaningful connections regain central importance. As dating formats diversify and AI tools become more common, the core aim articulated by Lovehoney’s researchers is clear: people are seeking more satisfying, genuinely connected experiences in intimate life.*