The Scroll Never Stops: Survey Finds One Third Of College Students Use Their Phones During Sex

For many college students, putting their phones down is no longer an option, even during sex. A new survey conducted by Yik Yak and Sidechat suggests that digital habits are deeply embedded in intimate moments. The poll collected responses from 10,000 college students across more than 500 campuses and paints a picture of constant connection, even behind closed doors.

According to the findings, 35 percent of respondents said they have texted or used social media while having sex. The behavior points to how normalized multitasking with phones has become for young adults who grew up online. Notifications, group chats, and scrolling do not always stop when physical intimacy begins.

Some responses raised eyebrows. Twenty-four students said they had texted their mothers during intimate moments. While the number is small, it reflects how instinctive phone use can be, regardless of context or timing.

Phones are also playing a role in trust and boundaries within relationships. The survey found that 22 percent of students admitted they regularly go through a partner’s phone. Another 15 percent said they did so in the past and regretted it. These habits suggest that digital access is often tied to insecurity, curiosity, or a desire for reassurance.

Shared living spaces may add to the dynamic. Seven percent of students said they had sex while their roommate was awake in the room, while 15 percent said they waited until their roommate fell asleep. In both cases, phones remained part of the environment, offering distraction or connection beyond the room.

In a statement, Yik Yak CEO Kyle Venn said anonymity on the platforms allows students to be honest about behaviors they might not openly discuss. Together, the results highlight how phones have become a constant presence in young adults’ lives, even during moments once considered fully offline.