CzechSex survey to map modern love and dating in Czechia

How does the average Czech approach dating and sex? A new study by the National Institute of Mental Health (NÚDZ) plans to tackle this question in detail.

The institute has launched the CzechSex survey, active from November 2023 to March next year. Around 6,000 Czechs will anonymously answer detailed questions on sexual behavior and attitudes. The survey represents the first such deep dive into the nation’s sexuality in nearly a decade.

The survey intends to map data not only on sexual behavior and new trends, such as sexuality in the online space, trends in dating and cohabitation, but also look at issues of sexual health and well-being, sexual dysfunction, and the experience of sexual violence in both the online and offline space.

It will include a focus on gender identity and sexual orientation, and an emphasis on a positive perception of sexuality.

"In the Czech Republic, only in recent years has there been talk of sexual orientation linked to gender identity. A new trend that is intensively researched abroad is asexuality: the complete absence of sexual desire or attraction," says psychologist and sexologist from the NÚDZ, Klára Bártová.

Researchers believe that these fundamental changes to the survey will contribute to a greater understanding of the influence of negative factors related to discrimination and stigmatization on the mental health and sexual life of LGBTQ+ people in Czech society.

The nationally representative survey also aims to map online dating experiences and outcomes. It will examine the prevalence of alternative relationship forms like singlehood, non-monogamy, and casual partnerships increasingly common among Generation Z.

“As one of the significant trends not only in Generation Z, we observe a higher openness to alternative relationship forms, whether it is single life, various forms of consensual non-monogamy, friendship with benefits, or so-called situationships. In the survey, we examine the prevalence of different relationship forms, but also satisfaction within the relationship, sex or how people feel in love," said Markéta Šetinová, sociologist and founder of the Modern Love Institute, which is also researching Czechs’ love life habits.

The questionnaire will also poll Czechs on sexting behaviors and pornography consumption while investigating any associated problems.

A survey last year by the Behavio Agency for the Modern Love Institute found that 21 percent of all couples in Czechia met online, primarily through dating apps. It also revealed that Czechs aged 20-30 years old are having less sex than previous generations. According to experts, this could be due to young people spending more time on social networks and having fewer monogamous relationships.

Šetinová notes that the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the emerging trend of online dating. She adds that in the realm of relationships, short-term flings, easygoing relationships, and polyamory – casual and non-exclusive dating – are gaining popularity in Czechia.