Online Pornography Research Articles

Self-regulation deficiencies and perceived problematic online pornography use among young Chinese women: The role of self-acceptance

Although perceived problematic online pornography use has attracted attention, how this phenomenon manifests among females is not well understood. Based on self-regulation theory and the Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution model, this study explored the prospective effects of behavioral (i.e., pornography use frequency) and psychological (i.e., difficulties in engaging in goal-directed behaviors) risk factors on perceived problematic online pornography use. Furthermore, it examined the direct and moderating roles of self-acceptance in these associations. Analysis of anonymous survey data of 559 young Chinese women (mean age = 19.86 years) collected at two time points over a one-year interval revealed that both Time 1 (T1) pornography use frequency and T1 difficulties in engaging in goal-directed behaviors were positively correlated, whereas T1 self-acceptance was negatively correlated with perceived problematic online pornography use assessed at both T1 and Time 2 (T2). Moreover, T1 self-acceptance moderated the prospective effect of T1 pornography use frequency on T2 perceived problematic online pornography use after the hierarchical regression model controlled for T1 perceived problematic online pornography use. This prospective effect was weaker for individuals with high rather than low self-acceptance. Our findings advance knowledge of the complex underlying psychological mechanisms of perceived problematic online pornography use by providing evidence of both the direct and/or moderated roles of pornography use frequency, difficulties in engaging in goal-directed behavior, and self-acceptance in these mechanisms. Our study also offers a novel perspective and potential for implementing preventive and therapeutic interventions based on acceptance and commitment therapy among young women with problematic pornography use.

Associations Between Sexualized Media Consumption, Sexual Double Standards, and Sexual Coercion Perpetration and Victimization in Late Adolescent Sexually Active Boys and Girls from The Netherlands.

This study examined associations between sexualized media consumption, sexual double standard (SDS) norms, and sexual coercion perpetration and victimization in late adolescence and whether these associations were moderated by gender. Participants were sexually active Dutch secondary school students aged 16-20years (N = 255, 58.4% girls). Data were collected using a self-report questionnaire at a single time-point. Overall, more sexualized media consumption was associated with higher odds of both sexual coercion perpetration and victimization. These associations did not differ by gender. Specifically, viewing online pornography and sexually oriented reality television more frequently were associated with higher odds of sexual coercion perpetration, whereas viewing others' sexy social media posts more frequently was associated with higher odds of sexual coercion victimization. Finally, stronger endorsement of SDS norms was associated with lower odds of sexual coercion perpetration in girls, but with comparatively higher odds of sexual coercion perpetration in boys. Results indicate that consuming sexualized media and societal sexual double standards is associated with an increased risk of sexual coercion experiences in adolescence.

Exploration of the Historical and Social Significance of One of the First Cinematographic Devices Based on Gender Roles in the Andalusian Environment

In 1914, El Noticiero Sevillano and other Spanish newspapers published a piece about the Cinémhymen, a cinematographic device designed to capture and sell images of prospective wives. This article explores why this advertisement was not considered derogatory and examines the construction of a patriarchy during a time when the term “feminist” was already appearing in the Spanish press. In our methodology, we analyzed the name of the device and the business, both based on the word Hymen, used a bibliographic review of Spanish feminism of those years, and researched the film technology of the time. The Manzano’s pyramid of oppression served us in establishing the control operations underlying the advertisement. Our study reveals the patriarchal principles of Cinémhymen, which stigmatized women once they conformed to the expected role. The objectifying gaze present in Cinémhymen provides insight into the progression of patriarchy in a visual world that subjugates women. The camera could see through the female masquerade (as Joan Rivière explained) and explore the “true” body underneath, the very core of the female (or what is considered to be). In some ways, Cinémhymen serves as a precursor to the current subjugation seen in online pornography and represents a distorted evolution of the panopticon principle as applied to women.

“Porn is blunt […] I had way more LGBTQ+ friendly education through porn”: The experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals with online pornography

“Porn is blunt […] I had way more LGBTQ+ friendly education through porn”: The experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals with online pornography

The Mediating Role of Sexual Arousal and Gratification in the Relationship Between online Pornography Motivation and Tendencies towards Internet-Pornography-Viewing Disorder (IPD)

The Mediating Role of Sexual Arousal and Gratification in the Relationship Between online Pornography Motivation and Tendencies towards Internet-Pornography-Viewing Disorder (IPD)

Online environments, social networks and pornography: the role of teachers and managers in the provision of sex and sexuality education in Chilean schools

ABSTRACT Over the last decade, various provisions have been enshrined in law to encourage the implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Comprehensive sexuality Education in Chilean schools. However, it is unknown whether appropriate steps have been taken to advance the right to sex and sexuality education, incorporating the use of ICTs as part of existing plans. The objective of this study was to identify the role that schools and schooling might play in relation to online environments, social networks and pornography as they affect children and adolescents’ sex and sexuality education in Chile. The research took the form of a qualitative study in which 30 education professionals were interviewed to identify needs, challenges and opportunities for incorporating the use of social networks and pornography in sex and sexuality education plans. We found that teachers and school managers rarely intervene in students’ sexualised digital media consumption. While being aware of and concerned about the effects it might have, they broadly delegate responsibility to families. There is a need to create educational communities with a greater knowledge of how to spearhead innovative and participatory internal policies and practices to ensure students’ access to good quality sex and sexuality education in online environments.

THE USE OF PORNOGRAPHY AND THE LEVEL OF SEXUAL SATISFACTION IN FORMAL AND UNFORMAL RELATIONSHIPS

ABSTRACT: Objective: The aim of this study is to show the reader the level of influence of the phenomenon of broadly understood pornography online for relationships - both formal and informal. To what extent does it affect the quality and durability of the relationship? Methods: To show the overall importance of the discussed topic, I used: methods of analysis of existing literature and research results. My main focus was on: previous research relating, among others, to the quality and durability of the relationship through the prism of the use of pornographic materials. Results: After analyzing the existing knowledge and research results regarding the use of pornography in formal and informal relationships that have emerged over the last few years, I can clearly state that pornography has a destructive impact on formal and informal relationships. Ignoring the high risk of addiction by constantly stimulating the pituitary gland, it definitely has a negative impact on the quality of the relationship. End: It should be clearly stated that pornography (especially "hard" pornography) has a significant impact on destructive relationships between partners. Women and men use pornography they begin to transfer images from films to their intimate life in a relationship. This may result in weakened self-confidence and a feeling of rejection, which may lead to betrayal. Originality: Without a doubt, in the indicated area, I presented research that is worth taking a closer look at and considering why partners who should build relationships with each other based on trust and mutual acceptance, they begin to use increasingly harsh pornographic materials and, what's worse, compare themselves with them and look for an exact reflection in real life. Keywords: sexual satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, Internet pornography, marital and cohabiting relationships

The Highs and Lows of Pornography Use: Does Motivation Affect Users’ Life Satisfaction?

"The negative outcomes of problematic pornography use (PPU) have been well documented, but there is a gap in the literature on the underlying mechanisms that influence the life satisfaction and mental health of pornography users. In the current study we have used a cross-sectional, person-centered approach in order to reveal the motivational and life satisfaction profile of problematic and non-problematic pornography users based on the theoretical framework of Self-determination Theory (SDT). We also wished to determine the role of self-determination in the life satisfaction of pornography users, as this variable is considered to be relevant for the life satisfaction and mental health of online pornography consumers. Our participants (N = 4302) were Hungarian speaking adults from Romania and Hungary (age M=27,91; SD=9,50), selected through sampling on social networking sites related to pornography, sexual dysfunction and addiction. Individuals were assigned to one of 3 groups (i.e., no symptoms, few symptoms, problematic use), based on the presence of symptoms related to pornography use. Demographic data was gathered, self-determination, life satisfaction and pornography use were assessed using the online version of validated instruments. Results indicated that SDT-based motivation and life satisfaction have a significant role in shaping the profile of pornography users. Participants with PPU felt less satisfied with their life, were less self-aware and experienced lower levels of perceived choice than both no symptom and few symptom groups. Although self-determination significantly predicted life satisfaction, this effect was not influenced by the problematic character of pornography use. Keywords: self-determined motives; life satisfaction; online sexual activities; problematic pornography use."

The Impact of Religion on Online Pornography: Evidence from Ramadan Using Google Trends Data

The Impact of Religion on Online Pornography: Evidence from Ramadan Using Google Trends Data

Erectile Dysfunction in Adolescents and Young Adults.

The goal of this paper is to provide a summary of the recent research, evaluation, work-up, and treatment recommendations regarding erectile dysfunction in adolescents and young adults to better equip pediatric urologists to manage patients with this condition. The latest research regarding erectile dysfunction in this population includes organic and psychogenic etiologies, correlations between the COVID-19 pandemic, and online pornography consumption. In our large pediatric urology practice, we found an 31x increase of adolescent males presenting with erectile dysfunction since 2014. The majority of cases are attributed to a psychogenic etiology such as anxiety or depression. It is likely that with stress from anxiety and depression, cortisol levels rise, increasing vascular resistance and leading erectile dysfunction in this population. Most patients want to be reassured of normal testosterone levels, offered cognitive behavioral therapy, and be rehabilitated with tadalafil starting at 5mg p.o. daily until tapered.

Age-verification technologies and the censorship of online pornography in Canada: a critique of Bill S-210: An Act to Restrict Young Persons’ Online Access to Sexually Explicit Material

ABSTRACT Written in the style of an opinion editorial, this short article serves as a critical examination of Bill S-210, which proposes to restrict minors’ online access to sexually explicit material in Canada through age-verification technologies. Framed within the historical context of obscenity law and the feminist sex wars, the article underscores the impact of censorship and anti-pornography feminism on queer businesses and sexual expressions. Emphasizing the need for comprehensive sexual education rather than increased censorship, it critiques the impracticality of age-verification technologies as well as contemporary cultural anxiety around youth sexuality and the perceived need to ‘protect’ women and minors from pornography. Urging a re-evaluation of the Bill in light of its broader sociopolitical implications, the article cautions against rash policy decisions that may further stigmatize alternative forms of sexual expression, specifically queer, feminist, and fetish pornographies.

Cyber Bullying: Safeguarding Kids from Internet Harassment

As parents, we all want to protect our children from the dangers of online pornography, cyberbullying, and predators. Various current methods focus on limited information gathered from the child's interactions online. Some use a blacklist of prohibited URLs to block access to certain websites, while others analyze the multimedia exchanged between the child and others. However, these approaches may not be foolproof as new URLs can evade the blacklist and individual images, videos, and text may appear harmless when considered on their own. Our proposal suggests a flexible framework that examines material at the Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) level, or user interface, in its completed state. Despite hardware restrictions, Children's Agents for Secure and Privacy Enhanced Reaction (CASPER) seeks to analyze audio signals and screen captures in real-time to make judgments based on all available information. Through the use of deep learning methods for text, audio, and picture processing, CASPER categorizes visual content as either pornographic or neutral. Text can be classified as cyberbullying, neutral, or objectionable. We have created a custom dataset with a variety of offensive material for training and assessment purposes. When it comes to text classification, CASPER has demonstrated an average accuracy of 88% and score of 0.85, while its accuracy for pornographic classification is 95%.

Mandatory age verification for pornography access: Why it can't and won't ‘save the children’

Age verification is currently gaining traction among some western democracies as a means to restrict minors’ access to online pornography. In this article we consider the ramifications of applying age estimation software to this task. We analyse a public dataset of 10,139 facial images processed through a commonly used high-performance convolutional neural network approach and find significant inconsistencies in classification performance. Notably, the software demonstrates racial bias, with highest accuracy for the Caucasian category and lowest accuracy for the African category. It also displays age and gender bias, with lower accuracy for young males compared to young females. In addition to underwhelming technical performance, we argue that the concept of employing automated processes to restrict access to pornography is not only problematic but fundamentally misconceived. The systems being proposed to automate age verification create greater user data privacy risks and divert resourcing that could be spent on strategies that are proven to support healthy sexual development. Ultimately, mandatory age verification systems create barriers to post-pubescent young people seeking information about sex online. Our study concludes that the underlying problem with age verification, therefore, is not only technical but more profoundly political: even if the system can be made to work, it should not be.

STATE-BASED ONLINE RESTRICTIONS: AGE-VERIFICATION AND THE VPN OBSTACLE IN THE LAW

Since the inception of the internet, the availability of online pornography to minors has been a major concern, and the federal government has tried and failed to effectively prohibit minors’ access to these materials online. Some states have enacted legislation to force commercial entities distributing this harmful material online to enact reasonable age-verification. These “porn” statutes may be subject to constitutional challenges on the basis of overbreadth and privacy. Outside of potential constitutional challenges, these laws are indicative of a potential national trend in state-created online pornography restrictions, and the issues of ineffectiveness and inconsistency present within the laws themselves merit an analysis. Additionally, this paper will use these recent laws and their issues as a basis to explain the place of virtual private networks (“VPNs”) in the law. Particularly, VPNs are the most common method to circumvent state-enforced online regulation and yet they tend to be ignored or overlooked by statutes despite their popularity. Causing VPN companies to profit from these “porn” law restrictions, by giving online, and potentially minor, users the ability to ignore most age-verification measures put in place by these laws. Keywords: State-Based, Online Restrictions, Age-Verification, VPN

The standardization of a new Explicit Pornographic Picture Set (EPPS)

Pictures with affective content have been extensively used in scientific studies of emotion and sexuality. However, only a few standardized picture sets have been developed that offer explicit images, with most lacking pornographic pictures depicting diverse sexual practices. This study aimed to fill this gap through developing a standardized affective set of diverse pornographic pictures (masturbation, oral sex, vaginal sex, anal sex, group sex, paraphilia) of same-sex and opposite-sex content, offering dimensional affective ratings of valence, arousal, and dominance, as well as co-elicited discrete emotions (disgust, moral and ethical acceptance). In total, 192 pornographic pictures acquired from online pornography platforms and 24 control IAPS images have been rated by 319 participants (Mage = 22.66, SDage = 4.66) with self-reported same- and opposite-sex sexual attraction. Stimuli were representative of the entire affective space, including positively and negatively perceived pictures. Participants showed differential affective perception of pornographic pictures according to gender and sexual attraction. Differences in affective ratings related to participants’ gender and sexual attraction, as well as stimuli content (depicted sexual practices and sexes). From the stimuli set, researchers can select explicit pornographic pictures based on the obtained affective ratings and technical parameters (i.e., pixel size, luminosity, color space, contrast, chromatic complexity, spatial frequency, entropy). The stimuli set may be considered a valid tool of diverse explicit pornographic pictures covering the affective space, in particular, for women and men with same- and opposite-sex sexual attraction. This new explicit pornographic picture set (EPPS) is available to the scientific community for non-commercial use.

Holier Than Thou? No Large Partisan Gaps in the Consumption of Pornography Online

Consumption of pornography has been blamed for a variety of societal ills, including the rise in misogyny, sex crimes, and the coarsening of the culture. Using passively collected browsing data from YouGov, we investigate how much pornography Americans consume online. We find that there is a sharp positive skew in the consumption of pornography, with a small number of users consuming lots of pornography and most consuming small amounts. Only about 32 percent of respondents consumed pornography online during the month-long observation period. Of the people who consumed pornography, the median consumer spent about three-quarters of an hour consuming pornography and 95 percent of the consumers spent less than five and a half hours. Lastly, in line with previous research (MacInnis and Hodson, 2015; Edelman, 2009), which was based on aggregated data, we find that Republicans consume slightly more pornography online than Democrats. Adjusting for immutable characteristics like age and gender makes the differences go away.

Barriers and recommendations for parent-child conversations about pornography.

Parents consistently report being worried about the impact of online pornography on their adolescent and pre-adolescent children's development. Yet, most parents do not discuss pornography as part of parent-child conversations about sexuality. The current study sought to identify the barriers to parent-child conversations about pornography. We present two studies. The first study employed one-to-one interviews to explore parents' (n = 14) beliefs about their role in their child's pornography education. The second study involved the quantitative assessment of Study 1 findings in a sample of parents of pre-adolescent and adolescent children (n = 408). Findings indicate that three overarching themes prevent parents from addressing pornography with their adolescent children, parents' practical ability to discuss pornography, their attitudes toward discussing pornography, and the perceived positive impact of addressing pornography with their adolescent children. Practical ability was most often reported as the greatest barrier to parents engaging in parent-child conversations about pornography. Most notably, parents reported hesitancy in discussing pornography because they did not know how to define pornography or how to address pornography in an age-appropriate way. Fathers were also significantly less likely to believe that talking about pornography was socially acceptable. We discuss the implications of these findings and present recommendations for developing a parents' pornography education resource.

Problematic sexual behaviours, dissociation, and adult attachment: A path analysis model

BackgroundProblematic sexual behaviours are controversial phenomena, lacking diagnostic consensus, yet they are significant and warrant in-depth scientific research due to their clinically significant consequences. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the association between potential risk factors of sex addiction and problematic online pornography use, with a specific focus on the role of attachment and dissociation. MethodA sample of 375 participants (Mage = 30 years; SD = 12.441) was involved in the research. The collected data were analysed by implementing a path analysis model. ResultsSignificant and positive total effects in the relationships between fearful/preoccupied attachment patterns and both sex addiction and problematic online pornography use were shown. Furthermore, these associations were significantly mediated by dissociation. Finally, sex addiction and problematic online pornography use were significantly associated with daily thoughts about sex and weekly online pornography use, respectively. LimitationsThe cross-sectional design and the use of only self-report measures in an online survey should be kept in mind while interpreting the results. ConclusionsSuch data provide useful insight into the complex interplay of attachment, dissociation, and problematic sexual behaviours, providing information that may inform and guide targeted clinical interventions.

“I Feel Like a Fraud Who Acts Like a Feminist”: The Discussion Themes and Sexual Scripts in the Porn Free Women Online Forum

Research on online pornography abstinence movements has predominantly focused on men’s perspectives, often within the context of the broader manosphere. This focus has overshadowed the unique experiences and viewpoints of women in these movements. Our study aimed to fill this gap by exploring women-centric perspectives in pornography abstinence forums, particularly Porn Free Women (r/pornfreewomen). Using a mixed methods approach, this study examined the sexual scripts presented in women-dominated pornography abstinence communities. Our structural topic modeling analysis delineated the interplay of therapeutic, heteronormative, and empowerment themes that were evident in women’s narratives and expressions. Further, our discourse analysis elucidated three specific scripts: the addiction script, the heterosexual script, and the liberation script. These interweaving narratives show that discussions of women’s pornography abstinence are multifaceted and include a variety of perspectives to negotiate. These results contribute to a nuanced understanding of the values of health and well-being, sexual liberation, and feminism within women’s pornography abstinence communities.

Apprehending Parental Perceptions and Responses to Accidental Online Pornography Exposure Among Children in Pakistan: A Qualitative Investigation

Apprehending Parental Perceptions and Responses to Accidental Online Pornography Exposure Among Children in Pakistan: A Qualitative Investigation