Online Pornography Consumption Research Articles

Brief report: private pleasures and the damage done: asking the unasked question about consumption of online pornography

The domestication of the Internet has invigorated debate about the harms of pornography. The difference between pre-Internet and online pornography is not in any straightforward sense only one of degree. Compared to pre-Internet pornography, speed, and ease of access to an extensive range of pornographic content, along with the consumption of pornography in a virtual context, have introduced new prudential risks. In this Brief Report I restrict my focus to the impact on sexual health and on personal relationships and summarise the relevant research. Drawing on a psychoanalytically informed conceptual framework, I argue that the online medium changes, in prudentially significant ways, the consumer’s relationship to the sexual materials by providing a virtual space within which sexual desire is gratified quickly and non-reflectively, undermining the consumer’s capacity a) to mentalise their sexual desire and that of the other and b) to evaluate the prudential risks associated with the consumption of online pornography. The risks are especially significant for the digital generation whose sexual development is now more likely to be shaped by online pornography. I conclude by outlining one key practice implication arising from the research.

On-line pornography and minors. Diagnosis, challenges and proposals

The consumption of pornography over the Internet by minors has been increasing exponentially in recent years. The use of digital technologies and the ease of access to these contents are causes that explain this event. Simultaneously, there is concern about the increase in sexual violence, associated with discriminatory behavior, despite the efforts of laws and programs that promote sexual reproductive health (SRH) and the principle of equality. From a bioethical point of view, it is urgent to address this issue, which affects the physical and psychological health of minors and their affective-sexual education. The study addresses whether it is possible to relate the consumption of online pornography by minors and sexual violence. To do this, legal sources, reports from associations, audiovisual councils and scientific studies are consulted. In all of them, the relationship between the consumption of online pornography by adolescents and risky behavior in emotional-sexual matters and gender inequality is evident. In the legal and fiscal sphere, it is alerted to the damage that is occurring and points out the need to propose lines of action that reverse this situation. We propose measures to technically regulate access to content. These measures are based on the precautionary principle, a tool that has been applied in fields such as health and the environment. More studies and political actions are needed to make the Internet a safe place for minors.

Problematic Use of Pornography: Clinical Presentations, Diagnosis and Interventions

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic has caused immense psychosocial strain worldwide. Excessive use of the internet during these psychologically trying times, fueled by physical isolation as a result of lockdowns, translated into dysfunctional behaviors. A growing body of evidence suggests an unprecedented increase in internet use and consumption of online pornography during the pandemic, and possibly even directly caused by it. This presentation will focus on the the statistics, variations in diagnostic criteria, clinical presentations and interventions for problematic online pornography use. Practical solutions will be offered to show how foresightedness with utilizing existing tools and therapies and exercising appropriate amounts of caution could go a long way in addressing the challenges that lie ahead in the post-pandemic era.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Fatores Associados ao Uso de Materiais Sexualmente Explícitos da Internet entre Adolescentes

Abstract The international literature indicates that the use of pornography in adolescence may be associated with different risks to sexual health. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with Sexually Explicit Internet Materials (SEIM) use among Brazilian adolescents. 516 adolescents participated in the study. The instruments were: Questionnaire of Sociodemographic Data, Sexual Behaviors, Sexual Satisfaction, Perceived Utility of SEIM, Sexual Performance Orientation and Conceptions of Women as Sexual Objects; and Gender-Equitable Men Scale. Data were collected online and descriptive, comparison between groups and correlation analyses were conducted. Higher levels of online pornography consumption were correlated with being a boy, not having received sex education at home or in the community, having already had sexual intercourse, greater sexual dissatisfaction, perceived utility of SEIM, sexual performance orientation and presenting conceptions of women as sexual objects. The results provide guidelines for developing psychoeducational strategies about pornography use in adolescence.

Attitudes and Sexual Behaviours Associated With Adolescent Online Pornography Consumption: A Critical Commentary During COVID-19

Adolescents commonly seek out pornography, which affects their attitudes and behaviours. Furthermore, the current COVID-19 pandemic saw an unprecedented increase in pornography consumption worldwide. However, adults appear generally reluctant to engage children and youth in discussions about online pornography consumption. This article provides a critical commentary on issues related to pornography use, with a focus on attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours as part of the sexual development of adolescents. It aims to raise awareness and recommend implementing prevention and intervention education about adolescent online pornography consumption and associated harms. To this end, a narrative review of the academic literature was conducted. The paper discusses the intentional use of pornography by adolescents, potential benefits, gender differences, theoretical considerations, and effects associated with sexual attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours. It suggests that online pornography use is an important contemporary social issue that requires attention. Recommendations include the need for education about the negative social, behavioural, and legal impacts of pornography use. Openly discussing sexual consent is critically important and a way to engage adolescents in prevention efforts. Additional research is needed to better understand the nature, extent, and impact of online pornography consumption on adolescents with regard to age, gender, and specific cultural backgrounds.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder with Porn Addiction during the COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 Pandemic is an unprecedented humanitarian crisis that has affected the mental health of individuals immensely. OCD was among the mental health conditions that emerged with the new norm that is associated with repeated hand wash, social distancing and testing to confirm COVID-19. Nissen et al. (2020) found that there was a significant positive correlation between total OCD severity scores and the occurrence of OCD aggressive and sexual symptoms. [6] The COVID-19 lockdown translated into physical isolation, driving individuals to waste time online with no definite purpose, spending longer, abnormal durations of time online when bored, leading to increased consumption of online pornography. Since March 2020, during the lockdown period, Pornhub has seen a worldwide increase in pornography use of 11.6% compared to the previous average days. [9]

Consumption of sexually explicit internet material and its effects on minors' health: latest evidence from the literature.

Nowadays adolescents and children are more and more exposed to sexually explicit internet material (SEIM), but most parents and healthcare professionals neglect this issue. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of online pornography on minors' health with a specific focus on the effects produced on their behavioural, psychophysical and social development. A literature search was performed on PubMed and ScienceDirect in March 2018 with the query "(pornography OR sexually explicit internet material) AND (adolescent OR child OR young) AND (impact OR behaviour OR health)." Results published between 2013 and 2018 were analysed and compared with previous evidence. According to selected studies (N.=19), an association between consumption of online pornography and several behavioral, psychophysical and social outcomes - earlier sexual debut, engaging with multiple and/or occasional partners, emulating risky sexual behaviors, assimilating distorted gender roles, dysfunctional body perception, aggressiveness, anxious or depressive symptoms, compulsive pornography use - is confirmed. The impact of online pornography on minors' health appears to be relevant. The issue can no longer be neglected and must be targeted by global and multidisciplinary interventions. Empowering parents, teachers and healthcare professionals by means of educational programs targeting this issue will allow them to assist minors in developing critical thinking skills about pornography, decreasing its use and obtaining an affective and sex education that is more suitable for their developmental needs.

Sexual Addiction, Hypersexual Behavior and Relative Psychological Dynamics during the Period of Social Distancing and Stay-at-Home Policies Due to COVID-19.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, increased stress factors affected people’s motivations to engage in potentially addictive behaviors. Sexuality, understood as one of the psychological aspects to be investigated to explore the level of psychological well-being of a person, has suffered considerable repercussions due to the pandemic. A growing body of evidence suggests an unprecedented increase in Internet use and online pornography consumption during the pandemic. Since March 2020, during the lockdown period, Pornhub has seen a worldwide increase in pornography use of 11.6% compared to the previous average days. This research was conducted with the aim of exploring the possible increasing use of pornographic material during the lockdown period, in order to assess whether dysfunctional behaviors, such as compulsive behaviors, and thoughts of sex-related obsessives can lead to hypersexual behavior or a more severe Sexual Addiction. The individuals who participated in our research were 18 years of age or older (mean 23.1, s.d. 5.8), and 48% male and 52% females and were recruited online to complete a self-report questionnaire in the period between April 2020 and April 2021. The questionnaires were delivered via main social networks. The tool used for our survey was the SAST (Sexual Addiction Screening Test), a questionnaire including socio-demographic data and data relating to sexual practices, such as sexual orientation and time spent on the Internet for sexual activities. The results revealed significant differences concerning the various factors investigated such as loss of control, addictive symptoms and hide score.

Associations Between Online Pornography Consumption and Sexual Dysfunction in Young Men: Multivariate Analysis Based on an International Web-Based Survey.

BackgroundExpanding access to the internet has resulted in more and earlier consumption of online pornography. At the same time, a higher prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) among young men is seen. Increased pornography consumption has been suggested as a possible explanation for this rise.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to better understand associations between problematic pornography consumption (PPC) and ED.MethodsA 118-item survey was published online, and data collection took place between April 2019 and May 2020. Of the 5770 men who responded, the responses from 3419 men between 18 years old and 35 years old were analyzed. The survey used validated questionnaires such as the Cyber Pornography Addiction Test (CYPAT), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Concise (AUDIT-C). The estimated amount of porn watching was calculated. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed. For the multivariable analysis, a logistic regression model using a directed acyclic graph was used.ResultsAccording to their IIEF-5 scores, 21.48% (444/2067) of our sexually active participants (ie, those who attempted penetrative sex in the previous 4 weeks) had some degree of ED. Higher CYPAT scores indicating problematic online pornography consumption resulted in a higher probability of ED, while controlling for covariates. Masturbation frequency seemed not to be a significant factor when assessing ED.ConclusionsThis prevalence of ED in young men is alarmingly high, and the results of this study suggest a significant association with PPC.Trial RegistrationResearch Registry researchregistry5111; https://tinyurl.com/m45mcaa2

“not conducive for sobriety”: Sex Addiction and Neoliberal Masculinity in Don Jon and Thanks for Sharing

Thanks for Sharing (2012) and Don Jon (2013), share similarities in their representation of the lives of unmarried men who are all approaching midlife, and who are all struggling to build meaningful, monogamous, long term attachments with women. In Thanks for Sharing, Adam (Mark Ruffalo) is addicted to brief encounters with numerous partners in contexts devoid of emotional intimacy, while a fellow member of his sex addicts support group, Neil (Josh Gad), struggles with a compulsion to touching strangers in public locations. In counterpoint, Don Jon charts the protagonist’s insatiable consumption of online pornography, since Jon believes that the virtual domain provides a far superior sexual experience than anything, he could find in real life encounters with women. This article is concerned with the relationship between sex addiction and masculinity, and how neoliberalism is imbued in the characters’ embodiment of masculinity regardless of their divergent social backgrounds.

Factors associated with the perpetration of interpersonal violence and abuse in young people’s intimate relationships

ABSTRACT This paper examines individual, peer and societal factors associated with young people’s instigation of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, including abuse and control through new technologies, in their intimate relationships. The mixed-method research included a survey of 4564 young people aged 14–17 across five European countries. Young people's advisory groups were convened in each country to work alongside the research teams. Across the European sample, 38% of boys and 45% of girls stated they engaged in some form of emotional violence, 10% of girls and 6% of boys reported the use of physical violence and 20% of boys and 4% of girls reported using sexual violence (pressure and/or physical force). A range of intersecting factors, including wider experiences of violence and abuse, gendered attitudes and consumption of online pornography, were associated with the use of intimate violence, although these differed by gender. The research provides new European insights through measuring the association with three discrete forms of IPVA as well as exploring perpetration by both males and females. A Prevention and intervention programmes seeking to respond to violence in young people’s relationships need to develop effective strategies to address the interplay of these factors across young people’s lives.

Internet and Pornography Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Presumed Impact and What Can Be Done

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause an immense psychosocial strain worldwide. Excessive use of the internet during these psychologically trying times, fueled by physical isolation as a result of lockdowns, has translated into dysfunctional behaviors. A growing body of evidence suggests an unprecedented increase in internet use and consumption of online pornography during the pandemic, and possibly even directly caused by it. In this review, the authors report data from relevant sources to show the rise in pornography use during lockdowns in different countries worldwide. In addition to a brief overview of the neurobiology of internet addiction broadly and problematic online pornography use specifically, similarities with substance use disorders are explained. Further, the current status of the debate about defining diagnostic criteria is discussed. Finally, the review sheds light on the potential detrimental outcomes during the future post-pandemic “re-adaptation,” while simultaneously offering preventative and management strategies for harm reduction. The authors conclude that foresightedness with utilizing existing tools and therapies and exercising appropriate amounts of caution could go a long way in addressing the challenges that lie ahead in the post-pandemic era.

Problematic consumption of online pornography during the COVID-19 pandemic: clinical recommendations.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is one of the greatest contemporary challenges. Feelings of fear and uncertainty triggered by this pandemic have had noxious effects on people’s mental health. This seems to have increased during quarantine and there is evidence of an intensification of reward-directed behavior. Nevertheless, there are few studies dealing with pornography consumption during this period. The aim of this manuscript is to contextualize this phenomenon during the pandemic and suggest some clinical recommendations on the matter.

Osobowość, samoocena, ocena własnego ciała oraz satysfakcja ze związku a konsumpcja pornografii przez kobiety w wieku 18–30 lat

Introduction: The consumption of pornography, which is usually considered a male activity, is now also becoming more and more popular among women. This phenomenon raises the question about the psychological characteristics of women using pornographic content. In the study, personality traits, level of self-esteem, assessment of body and satisfaction with the relationship were analyzed in relation to the opinion on pornography and the frequency of using it by women. Material and methods: In the study took part 114 women aged 18–30 staying in heterosexual relationships. The study was conducted via the Lime Survey software. The following tools were used: Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), International Personality Item Pool-Big Five Markers-50, Self-Esteem Scale (SES), Body Esteem Scale (BES) and own survey. Results: 46% of respondents declared that they use online pornography. Statistically significant differences between women using and not using online pornography were observed in terms of emotional stability and opinions on pornography. Positive correlations between explored variables and beliefs about pornography were also proven. Conclusions: The issue of the consumption of online pornography by women is definitely worth further exploration. On the one hand, there are more and more Polish users of pornographic portals and it is worth knowing not only the risk associated with it, but also the potential constructive impact on the users. On the other hand, a majority of the results obtained in the study indicate a positive perception of pornography by woman, and its correlation with constructive psychological traits. It is an additional voice in the overall discussion on the impact of pornography on its users.

The Addictive Nature of Compulsive Sexual Behaviours and Problematic Online Pornography Consumption: A Review

The Addictive Nature of Compulsive Sexual Behaviours and Problematic Online Pornography Consumption: A Review

Sex and “the City”: Financial stress and online pornography consumption

We examine the effects of financial stress on online pornography consumption. We use novel data on daily accesses to one of the most popular porn website (xHamster) for 43 different cities belonging to 10 countries for the year 2016. In financial cities, in which people are more likely to be affected by financial stress, we observe that on average online porn viewing decreases as financial stress increases. We present some evidence suggesting the causing channel to be altered mood.

The exercise of female sexuality between fantasy and discourse in the consumption of online pornography

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to understand how the consumption of online pornography runs through fantasy, discourse and the exercise of female sexuality.Design/methodology/approachFirst, the study analyzed a few information obtained from a secret group of the social media Facebook. Secondly, the research was developed based on the information gathered during the observation period; 11 in-depth interviews were conducted with women that participated in the aforementioned group. In order to analyze the data, the study used the French discourse analysis as methodological tool.FindingsIt was possible to realize that the consumption of pornographic content is motivated by curiosity, pursuit of variety and sexual fantasies, and it ends up strengthening stereotypes related to the concept of beauty and body standards. Also, the consumption of pornography can be seen as an important feature in the reformulation of perceptions and creation of senses related to pornography itself, pleasure, self-knowledge and in the constitution of the subjectivities of the consumers, despite the influence of the cultural context in which they are inserted into.Research limitations/implicationsThe consumption of online pornography can be seen as an important “social operator”; that is, the consumption of pornography reflects and refracts what is socially established as beautiful and adequate in terms of the human figure. The outcomes of this research lead to debates that can challenge standardized world perspectives, besides expanding the discussion of such consumption made by women.Originality/valueTaking into consideration the significant volume of pornography consumption and the high figures that this market indicates, one can notice that literature related to consumption studies has neglected this specific theme.

Prevalence and Determinants of Problematic Online Pornography Use in a Sample of German Women

AimTo investigate problematic online pornography use in women, an issue that has rarely been tackled to date. MethodsWe used the data from a comprehensive, cross-sectional survey of a self-referred sample of 485 German women to examine the relationships between problematic online pornography consumption and a range of sexual behaviors, trait sexual motivation, and motives for pornography use. ResultsApproximately 3% of our sample had problematic pornography use. In multivariate analysis, problematic use was significantly associated with the overall time spent viewing online pornography, greater sexual motivation, and greater emotional avoidance. Our data also indicate that the influence of sexual motivation on problematic pornography use is mediated by the amount of time spent watching online pornography. Clinical TranslationIdentifying these predictors for problematic use is important for specific prevention programs for women at risk of pathological use. Strengths & LimitationsThis study is one of the first to show that women also experience problematic online pornography use and identifies risk factors for problematic behavior. The weakness of this study is that as in all studies on sexuality, people who are interested in the topic and are comfortable talking about it are more likely to participate, thus rendering the sample nonrepresentative. ConclusionBased on our findings, approximately 3% of women experience problems associated with engaging in online pornography consumption.Baranowski AM, Vogl R, Stark R. Prevalence and Determinants of Problematic Online Pornography Use in a Sample of German Women. J Sex Med 2019;16:1274–1282.

Manipulation through Online Sexual Behavior: Exemplifying the Importance of Human Factor in Intelligence and Counterintelligence in the Big Data Era

ABSTRACTAs we spend more and more time online, Internet-based virtual spaces are becoming a central component of our daily life and activities. This shift of human activities from offline to online spaces has major impacts for national security. Consequently, cyberspace became a new field of operation for intelligence and counter-intelligence services worldwide. While massive efforts are made to further strategies based on surveys and analyses of large datasets, cybersecurity protocols can be impacted tremendously by individual behaviors. This is particularly the case of online sexual behavior, which can be easily manipulated by malevolent agents. This paper will describe some of the general characteristics of sexual cyberbehaviors. We will then identify some of the main threats related to sexual cyberbehavior (specifically risks of blackmailing, risks associated with the use of online dating sites, and risks associated with the consumption of online pornography), as well as the main targets in terms of population from an intelligence/counter-intelligence perspective. Finally, we will propose some possible counter-measures, that could be implemented to reduce the security risks related to online sexual behavior.

Consumption of sexually explicit internet material and its effects on minors' health: latest evidence from the literature

Nowadays adolescents and children are more and more exposed to sexually explicit internet material (SEIM), but most parents and healthcare professionals neglect this issue. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of online pornography on minors' health with a specific focus on the effects produced on their behavioural, psychophysical and social development. A literature search was performed on PubMed and ScienceDirect in March 2018 with the query "(pornography OR sexually explicit internet material) AND (adolescent OR child OR young) AND (impact OR behaviour OR health)." Results published between 2013 and 2018 were analysed and compared with previous evidence. According to selected studies (N.=19), an association between consumption of online pornography and several behavioral, psychophysical and social outcomes - earlier sexual debut, engaging with multiple and/or occasional partners, emulating risky sexual behaviors, assimilating distorted gender roles, dysfunctional body perception, aggressiveness, anxious or depressive symptoms, compulsive pornography use - is confirmed. The impact of online pornography on minors' health appears to be relevant. The issue can no longer be neglected and must be targeted by global and multidisciplinary interventions. Empowering parents, teachers and healthcare professionals by means of educational programs targeting this issue will allow them to assist minors in developing critical thinking skills about pornography, decreasing its use and obtaining an affective and sex education that is more suitable for their developmental needs.