Sexuality and society: modern trends and taboos

1. Sexuality and society: what has (really) changed in recent years

In just a few decades, the landscape has been completely reshaped:

• Dating apps have replaced part of "IRL" flirting;
• We talk much more about consent, pleasure, orientation and identity ;
• Sex toys , porn, and "non-standard" practices are more visible in the media;
• Social media exposes more bodies, couples, fantasies… and opinions about all of that.

The result: we have more possibilities , but also more comparisons, injunctions, and contradictions . You can feel both freer and more pressured.

2. Major trends in modern sexuality

It's difficult to summarize everything, but we can outline some main points.

2.1. Dating at your fingertips

Apps have transformed the way we meet:

• more possibilities in theory (distance, schedules, lifestyles);
• a more instant culture: we talk, we “match”, we sometimes disappear just as quickly;
• blurring of boundaries between flirting, relationship, "hookup", friendship, casual sex.

For some, it's a true space of freedom. For others, it's mostly a lot of demands, disappointments, and emotional exhaustion.

2.2. Greater visibility for diversity

We are seeing more and more:

• content on LGBTQIA+ sexualities, gender identities, non-monogamous relationships;
• voices that speak of “invisible” sexualities (disabled people, seniors, fat bodies, etc.);
• online communities where people share questions, doubts, and experiences.

This does not eliminate discrimination and violence, but it offers many the opportunity to say to themselves: " I am not alone in feeling this way. "

2.3. Sexuality, well-being and personal development

Sexuality is increasingly linked to:

• mental health, self-esteem, stress management;
• more holistic approaches (body, emotions, relationships, traumas);
• spaces for discussion (therapy, coaching, Instagram accounts, podcasts…) that normalize asking for help.

If this link interests you, you can explore further with our wellness & positive sexuality files and our articles on solo pleasure & self-confidence .

3. What is still difficult to talk about: modern taboos

Saying that we talk “more about sex” does not mean that we talk about everything, or in any way.

3.1. Pleasure… especially that of women and marginalized people

It's easier to display bodies, but talking about real pleasure, desire, orgasm, and difficulties remains complicated for many:

• fear of being judged (“too much”, “not enough”, “not normal”);
• shame at not sticking to the scenarios of porn or series;
• the idea that we should “naturally” know how to do it, without ever talking about it.

If you recognize yourself in this, you can rely on resources like “Sexual pleasure: 15 misconceptions to forget immediately” or our guide “Female orgasm: techniques to intensify your sensations” .

3.2. The sexuality of long-term couples

We talk a lot about beginnings, crushes, encounters… less about:

• the decline in desire over time;
• the difficulty of reconciling mental load, children, work and sexuality;
• the fear that “if things stop working in bed, everything is ruined”.

To gently explore this topic, you can check out our ideas for couples and our selection of sex toys for couples or erotic games to rekindle intimacy without pressure.

3.3. Pornography, masturbation, “unconventional” practices

In public discourse, these topics often oscillate between:

• total trivialization (as if everyone consumed the same thing, in the same way);
• complete demonization (as if it were necessarily toxic).

In reality, many people still experience a strong ambivalence around this: excitement, curiosity, but also guilt, fear of “no longer being normal”.

If you want to reconcile these topics more gently, you can explore solo pleasure at your own pace, relying on educational resources rather than solely on performance logic.

4. Internet, networks, pornography: allies or enemies?

Digital technology plays a dual role in modern sexuality.

4.1. What valuable contributions digital technology makes

He can:

• to give access to information that we never had at school;
• to find communities that are similar to us;
• to offer spaces for discussion (forums, DMs, groups) where people dare to say what they wouldn't say to anyone "in real life".

Our magazine Prestige Sensuel is part of this approach: practical guides & advice , thematic dossiers, product tests to help you sort through the options.

4.2. Common pitfalls

At the same time, it can also:

• to create an artificial standard of body, desire, performance;
• to normalize practices without explaining consent or risks;
• to make you believe that everyone else is experiencing a spectacular sex life except you.

4.3. Protecting oneself without cutting oneself off from everything

You can :

• choose accounts and resources that talk about sexuality with respect, nuance and pedagogy ;
• to remind you that images (porn, networks) are scenarios, not mandatory models ;
• Limit the time spent comparing yourself, especially on days when you already feel vulnerable.

And when you're looking for practical ideas (for example, regarding sex toys or lingerie ), prioritize places that put safety, consent and gentleness at the center, not just the "wow" effect.

5. Pressure to be “open” vs. true sexual freedom

Another modern paradox: sometimes we get the impression that we have to be:

• always up for it;
• always “open” to everything;
• always ready to try the latest trend seen on TikTok or in a TV series.

5.1. Freedom is not about “saying yes to everything”

A truly free sexuality is one where you can:

• say yes to what truly speaks to you;
• say no to what doesn't appeal to you, even if "everyone does it";
• to say I don't know yet , I need time, to talk about it, to try gently.

This is an idea that we also find in our articles on pleasure without pressure and on gentle anal pleasure : consent and personal rhythm come before performance.

5.2. Consent & grey areas

We're talking more about consent, and that's a major step forward. In everyday terms, it means:

• look for a clear yes , not an awkward silence;
• accepting that the other person may change their mind, even along the way;
• dare to say “stop”, “more slowly”, “differently” or “not tonight”.

Consent also means knowing how to say “yes” to what really attracts you: a lingerie party, an erotic gift set , a BDSM game & very soft role-playing games … provided that everyone is fully in agreement.

6. How do you see yourself fitting into this mix of trends and taboos?

You don't need to have a complete theoretical understanding of modern sexuality to experience your own. You can simply ask yourself a few honest questions.

6.1. What you really want vs. what you think you “should” want

You can write, for example:

• What you genuinely desire (experiences, atmospheres, types of relationships…)
• What you do mostly out of pressure, fear of disappointing, fear of being "outdated" .
• Something you've never dared to say, but which gently intrigues you.

If you want to explore something new (a sex toy for yourself , a couple's toy , a new atmosphere), you can rely on our selections & top lists rather than the pressure of social media.

6.2. Your relationship with information and images

Ask yourself:

• What content makes me feel more serene, more informed, more respected ?
• What content leaves me with a feeling of shame, comparison, or pressure ?

You can do a little "sorting," like you would with food: less content that drags you down, more content that supports your sexual health. The guides & advice sections and thematic dossiers are specifically designed with this in mind.

6.3. Safe spaces to talk about sexuality

Depending on your context, it could be:

• a partner with whom you can talk without being judged;
• a friend or a group where everyone's voice is heard with respect;
• a professional (sexologist, therapist, attentive doctor);
• Initially, a notebook where you write down what you feel and desire.

And if you prefer to start with reading, you can browse our stories & testimonials to feel less alone with your questions.

7. A 4-step mini-method for taming sexuality & society

If you sometimes feel overwhelmed by trends and taboos, you can rely on this little method.

1. 1. Observe
   For a few days, notice what you see/hear about sexuality (social media, TV series, people around you) and how it makes you feel.
2. 2. Sort
   Identify what supports you (informs, reassures, inspires) versus what weighs you down (makes you feel guilty, makes you compare, scares you). Keep more of the former, less of the latter.
3. 3. Clarify your own values
   Write down three words that represent the sexuality you would like to experience (for example: “gentleness, curiosity, respect” / “playfulness, honesty, commitment”…).
4. 4. Make a small, concrete adjustment
   It could be: saying a clearer “no”, expressing a desire, choosing healthier content, suggesting a conversation to your partner.

The idea is not to fix everything, but to regain some control over how you want to live your sexuality in this modern context.

FAQ: Modern sexuality, trends & taboos

Am I “obligated” to be up-to-date when it comes to sexuality?

No. You don't have to follow every trend to have a fulfilling sex life. The important thing is that your sexuality is consensual, respectful, and aligned with your desires and values.

I feel out of sync with others. Is that serious?

Sexuality is incredibly diverse in real life, much more so than what you see on social media. Feeling out of place is common. What matters is finding a rhythm, practices, and relationships that suit you, not conforming to the norm.

How can I talk about sexuality with my partner without feeling awkward?

You can start by saying, "It's not easy for me to talk about this, but I'd like us to be able to talk about what we like, what scares us, what we want." Choose a quiet moment, away from the bedroom, with the idea of ​​listening to each other rather than judging each other. To help you open up the conversation, you can also use erotic games or couples' kits designed as tools for discussion and discovery.

I feel very conflicted about what I've been taught (family, religion, culture). What should I do?

It's often a long-term process that can benefit from support (therapy, support groups, reading). You have the right to honor your history while building your own way of loving and desiring today.

Is it “too late” for me to be interested in sexuality now?

No. There's no age limit for asking yourself questions, exploring, adjusting, and reconnecting with your desire. Your sexual history isn't fixed: you can learn, relearn, at any point in your life.

Conclusion: Navigating your sexuality in a changing society

Sexuality today is a mixture of:

• more freedom and visibility ;
• taboos that shift rather than disappear;
• many images, stories, and sometimes contradictory injunctions.

You don't have to follow everything or reject everything. You can:

• choose the influences that nourish you;
• respect the boundaries that protect you;
• Dare to explore what truly reflects who you are, at your own pace.

Your sexuality doesn't need to be "trendy" to be beautiful: it needs to be livable, chosen, consensual, and gentle enough for you to want to live in it.

If you want to continue to explore this topic, you can explore our magazine , our guides & advice sections and, if you feel like it, gently discover our new products , best-sellers or exceptional pieces to create a sexuality that truly reflects you.