In Odd Twist, Millennials Are More Sexually Fluid—But Have Less Sex

If you were hoping open-minded millennials would bring about a second sexual revolution, you're in for some disappointment.

That's right--blow out the candles and turn off the Barry White. The Washington Post reported that a study in the Archives of Sexual Behavior found millennials in their 20s are half as likely to be sexually active than the previous generation.

That's surprising to hear after many teenagers and millennials have begun opening up about the complexity of their sexual and gender identities. In a recent survey, only 48 percent of 16-to-20-year-olds identified as exclusively straight.

In another study, at least 29 percent of those under 30 would identify as gay or lesbian against 8 percent for those 45 to 65 years old.

So quite possibly the most queer-friendly generation in a lifetime isn't actually having any sex?

As much as abstinence-only advocates would like to take credit for this, young professionals appear to be having less sex because of developments in the technical and job markets. In speaking to The Post, many millennials admitted they were worried a sexual relationship would distract them from their education and career goals. Plus, dating apps have limited sexual compatibility based on personal chemistry, rather than looks alone.

"It's a highly motivated, ambitious generation," Match.com chief scientific advisor Helen Fisher told The Post. "A lot of them are afraid that they'll get into something they can't get out of and they won't be able to get back to their desk and keep studying."