A third of British Gen Z will happily read ‘soft smut’ erotica in public

Published October 1, 2026 12:41pm Updated October 1, 2026 12:41pm Gen Z are embracing new rituals around reading (Picture: Etsy/SbriStudio) Gen Z may have a reputation for being addicted to their phones, but new research shows they’re actually voracious readers – and there’s one particular genre that has them completely hooked. More than a third of young Brits say they unapologetically read erotic fiction in public, with two in five openly marking the steamiest scenes. In fact, the idea of Britain as a nation of book-shy prudes may itself be a fantasy, with the research revealing ‘soft smut’ among readers’ favourite genres. Nearly two-thirds (62%) of Gen Z feel completely comfortable talking about their steamy reads, while more than half (52%) believe erotic fiction is more socially acceptable today than it was five years ago, the research suggests. For many, it offers more than escapism, with 53% viewing it as a positive celebration of sexuality. Etsy has launched a range of cheeky bookmarks (Picture: Etsy/SbriStudio) Sign up for all of the latest stories Start your day informed with Metro's News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens. To celebrate our love of reading for pleasure, Etsy has launched a range of cheeky ‘soft smut’ bookmarks. Created by UK Etsy seller SbriStudio, the playful page markers feature knowing phrases including ‘smut alert’, ‘spicy chapter here’ and ‘where it gets good’. Also championing the online book community is YouTuber, author and the internet’s ‘resident librarian’ Jack Edwards, who has fronted a Reading Rituals collection featuring reading accessories from talented independent UK Etsy sellers. The collection includes art, hats, brooches, accessories, tote bags and other individually handcrafted items designed for bookworms. Readers can mark certain pages they’d like to return to (Picture: Etsy/SbriStudio) Jack says: ‘We don’t just finish a chapter and close the book anymore; we annotate, style our bookshelves, and obsess over our favourite characters and tropes online. Reading has become an entire world of rituals, communities and self-expression. ‘My Reading Rituals Collection, available on Etsy, celebrates the independent sellers who understand that world and create unique pieces that make the physical reading experience feel as personal and magical as the stories themselves.’ The ‘Reading Rituals’ collection is available to shop now at Etsy. Find out more here. Arrow MORE: Scottish crime writer Peter May dies in France aged 74 Arrow MORE: The Love Hypothesis is the BookTok film everyone wanted – but they forgot the sex Arrow MORE: Diana ‘groped’ by Mohamed al-Fayed – and other bombshells from Earl Spencer’s book News Updates Stay on top of the headlines with daily email updates.