Abstract
BackgroundOwing to increasing access to Web-based pornography and concerns about its impact on viewers, many researchers have attempted to systematically analyze the content of pornography.ObjectiveWe aimed to systematically review the results of quantitative content analyses of video-based pornography and identify the degree to which the following behaviors are depicted: (1) sexual behaviors and themes, (2) condom use during sexual behaviors, and (3) aggression and violence.MethodsInclusion criteria for article eligibility were (1) peer-reviewed publications, (2) articles in the English language, (3) articles describing a quantitative content analysis of video pornography, and (4) articles quantitatively examining at least one variable of interest.ResultsA total of 23 studies met the eligibility criteria. Studies varied in scope and definitions of behavioral variables. Condom use was rare, although more commonly depicted in gay male pornography (36%-64% videos) compared with heterosexual pornography (2%-3% videos). Normative sexual behaviors were most frequently depicted in pornography samples (eg, vaginal intercourse in 48%-90% and fellatio in 52%-90% of heterosexual videos; fellatio in 66%-100% and anal intercourse in 70%-80% of gay male videos). Extreme acts of violence (1%-3% videos) and rape (0%-6% videos) were relatively rare. However, more subtle forms of aggression, such as spanking (5%-75% videos), were more common, and unequal sexual relations (eg, domination) were also common. Although estimates varied by study, dominating and violent behaviors were nearly always directed toward women.ConclusionsCondom nonuse and gender inequalities are common in pornography, which has implications for the development of healthy sexual relationships among pornography viewers. Higher quality research, including study replication and consistent methodological choices, is needed.
Highlights
Pornography, in various forms, has existed throughout human history
Condom nonuse and gender inequalities are common in pornography, which has implications for the development of healthy sexual relationships among pornography viewers
The major implication of this study is that video-based pornography is diverse in its depiction of sexual behaviors and relationships
Summary
Different concerns about the content of pornography have periodically emerged over history as social and sexual norms shift. 1 (page number not for citation purposes) the viewer These concerns have driven studies of pornographic been associated with stronger attitudes supporting violence content and informed their analytical framework. Pornography use is more popular and accessible than ever before; for example, in one survey of young people aged 15 to 29 years, 100% of young men and 81% of young women had ever viewed pornography [1]. Young people have reported that viewing pornography can allow exploration and education around sexuality via exposure to new and appealing behaviors [3,4]. Owing to increasing access to Web-based pornography and concerns about its impact on viewers, many researchers have attempted to systematically analyze the content of pornography
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