Experts are concerned with new research which reveals troubling statistics when it comes to the sexual preferences of Kiwis.
A study conducted by Durex of over 1000 New Zealanders unveiled unusual insights showing just how much attitudes to sex have changed, thanks to the influence of technology and porn.
One of the most problematic trends shown from a large amount of respondents was a distaste for practising safe sex, with 27 percent of respondents saying they wouldn't enjoy sex more if they are practising it safely. According to researchers, this is largely driven by males (33 percent) over females (22 percent).
Ironically, when asked who is primarily responsible for preventing unwanted pregnancy, 17 percent answered it is the role of the female partner, while eight percent of those surveyed say it is the role of the male partner.
Sexologist and host of The Trainee Sexologist podcast Morgan Penn believes like many sexual trends, this one is down to the influence of porn and a worry over "ruining" the moment.
"Porn plays a huge part in modelling sex and unfortunately it's usually unhealthy. It's not very often you will witness a condom being put on or at the very least being used in these scenarios," she explains.
"I think if it was a given that a condom is needed to have sex it can be incorporated into the experience. Many people think sex has to be spontaneous without interruptions. We need to have a strong sense of self-worth especially with a new partner, where a condom is non-negotiable."
Psychologist Sara Chatwin agrees and says that women are often seen as the "gatekeepers" when it comes to sex, so the responsibility for safe sex often lies with them.
"Females may be coerced/pressured into sex to impress or appeal to a male they like. There is also a degree of peer group pressure which they feel which may propel them into this kind of behaviour," she says.
"There is also a belief that to be 'cool' you need to take risks and subsequently taking risks becomes OK."
Earlier this year, a research report found that pornography has become so normalised among Kiwi teenagers that it's now become the "default learning tool" for young people curious about sex.
The qualitative research report Growing up with porn - Insights from young New Zealanders - notes porn is having a negative impact on both the body confidence and sex lives of young Kiwis.
It also notes that porn is highly accessible for young people, with many viewing it for the first time as young children. When their curiosity around sex is piqued, porn is the primary way many of them learn more about it.
