Puriteen is a portmanteau of "puritan" and "teenager" used to describe a young person, typically a teenager, who is prudish and uncomfortable about sexual content on the internet. While the term's original creation is unknown, it began seeing use on Twitter in March 2021. It is frequently used, as noted by Rolling Stone, in reference to individuals who are "well-versed in the language of identity and sexual politics", but are highly critical of those who don't meet their personal standards, particularly in regards to their opposition to sexual content.[1]
While not typically anti-LGBTQ, the Generation Z individuals the term is used toward are often against Pride parades and any involvement of kink in that or other LGBTQ activities. Though some of this discussion among those termed puriteens are not, according to author Leo Herrera, an "organic" conversation and are instead pushed by "far-right bad actors" to cause conflict and advance anti-gay positions.[1] This has also resulted in terms such as the "new Victorians" coming into usage, along with descriptions such as the "most prudish generation in history".[2] Another common topic, particularly on the social media platform TikTok, has been criticism of individuals involved in age gap relationships, especially celebrities.[3]
Some are critical of the term puriteen, arguing that most teenagers have much more nuanced beliefs on sex, and that only a minority are as prudish as the term puriteen implies.[1]
Statistics
editIn analyzing published governmental and scientific statistics, GQ writer Maddie Holden determined that Generation Z, on average, are having less sexual activity, along with having fewer partners and at older ages than previous generations. At the same time, the age group is far less Evangelical than other generations, being far more accepting of subjects like same-sex marriage and premarital sex.[2] Expanding on statistics about sexual activity, the president of the Spanish Association of Clinical Sexology (AESC), José Díaz, noted that the decline in sexual activity has been occurring for over forty years, long into the generation including millennials.[3]
References
edit- ^ a b c Dickson, E. J. (2021-06-14). "Are Sex-Negative 'Puriteens' Actually Taking Over the Internet?". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2021-08-24.
- ^ a b Holden, Maddie (July 30, 2021). "Gen Z Are "Puriteens," But Not For The Reasons You Think". GQ. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
- ^ a b Vazquez, Karelia (July 10, 2023). "Ah, to be young and scandalized: Who are these 'puriteens,' anyway?". El País. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
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