General Social Survey Data: 12% of Young Men Report Same-Sex Partners, Countering Online Misinformation

A recent tweet from data analyst "Hunter📈🌈📊" has brought attention to the misrepresentation of General Social Survey (GSS) data, specifically concerning male sexual behavior. The tweet directly challenged an "edited meme made by an incel," asserting that it contained false information. Hunter📈🌈📊 emphasized the correct data, stating, "The actual graph from the General Social Survey looks like this. Also, 12.0% of men 18-29 report at least one male sex partner.

The General Social Survey, conducted by the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago, is a long-running sociological survey that gathers comprehensive data on American attitudes, behaviors, and social characteristics. It serves as a crucial resource for understanding societal trends and debunking misinformation.

While specific figures can vary by survey year and precise demographic breakdowns, broader analyses of GSS data provide context. A meta-analysis published in June 2024 in JMIR Public Health and Surveillance, which synthesized data from multiple population-based surveys including the GSS through 2021, reported that 6.2% of the overall U.S. male population indicated having had sex with men in their lifetime. The GSS 2021 data, specifically cited in this meta-analysis, showed a 7.8% lifetime prevalence of same-sex partners among men across all age groups.

The 12.0% figure highlighted in Hunter📈🌈📊's tweet refers to a more specific demographic: men aged 18-29. This suggests that within this younger cohort, the prevalence of reporting at least one male sex partner is notably higher than the overall male population average. The tweet underscores the importance of consulting accurate, verified data from reputable sources like the GSS to counter misleading narratives and ensure informed public understanding of complex social issues.