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We’ve been told that there are tons of plastic in the ocean. In response, countries are saying no to non-recyclable materials. It’s also been publicized that many fast-fashion companies use unethical labor practices in production. Consumers now want to know who made their clothing and if they were paid fairly.
All of this effort is in the hopes of having a healthier, more ethical world, right?
Nowadays, average people are more likely to wonder how each product or service we use affects us and the world. We haven’t completely fixed any of these or the thousands of other issues yet, but there is a shift in knowledge and, thus, a shift in demand.
So why not porn, something hundreds of millions of people on the planet have experience with whether by their own interest or the interest of a partner or loved one? Considering that an estimated 91.5% of men and 60.2% of women consume porn, let’s take a few moments to examine how porn may be affecting its consumers.Solano, I., Eaton, N. R., & O'Leary, K. D. (2020). Pornography Consumption, Modality and Function in a Large Internet Sample. Journal of sex research, 57(1), 92–103. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2018.1532488Copy
Decades of studies from respected academic institutions have demonstrated significant impacts of porn consumption for individuals, relationships, and society, and yet it is widely accepted as healthy or harmless. But is it actually healthy or harmless?
Here are ten facts you may not have known about porn and the industry that produces it.
1. Porn is linked to sex trafficking
Of all the millions—possibly billions—of porn consumers in the world, not many know this fact. Porn, sex trafficking, and sexual exploitation are all inextricably linked.
Keep in mind that someone can be sex trafficked even if they receive a paycheck at the end of the day and sleep in their own bed. Being chained up or transported across state lines is certainly part of what can happen during a trafficking experience. However, extreme elements like that are not required for trafficking to take place. All that is required for a situation to be sex trafficking is that something of value is exchanged for a sex act—” a commercial sex act”—and that act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion.
So how do videos of trafficked individuals end up on popular porn sites? There are a few different ways:
- An unsuspecting individual is forced, tricked, or coerced into shooting sex on camera, and that footage is distributed
- A professional porn performer is forced, tricked, or coerced into sex acts that make them uncomfortable, and that footage is distributed
- Sexual videos and/or images are taken of already trafficked individuals and then uploaded to porn sites
- Videos and/or images of underage individuals in commercial sexual situations are uploaded to porn sites
Not all videos on porn sites feature trafficked individuals, and not all porn is nonconsensual. Even so, there is often no way to tell if the porn a consumer views is completely consensual or produced with coercion.
2. Porn is linked to child exploitation
Addressing child sex trafficking requires acknowledging pornography’s role in exploitation and trafficking, not turning a blind eye.
From normalizing abuse and sexualizing children to being used as a tool to groom victims, research and survivor accounts show that porn is interwoven in virtually every facet of sex trafficking and vice versa.
While child sex trafficking is a complex issue, the role porn plays in it is undeniable. What many consumers view as a passive, private act can actually contribute to the exploitation of real people—even real kids. There have been many cases recently exposed of underage kids having explicit images and videos of them posted to porn sites, either in exploitative cases, cases involving “revenge porn,” or cases involving trafficking.
Consider that the world’s largest porn companies, XVideos and MindGeek, are currently being sued by multiple child sex trafficking survivors who say these mainstream porn companies profited from their exploitation.
3. Porn performers are often exploited, trafficked, or abused
The porn industry doesn’t exactly take the best care of performers.
Of course, many performers report having positive experiences, but many others have endured abuse on and off-set by other industry professionals. The porn world doesn’t have measures like a formal system for reporting abusers that can keep performers safe, and even where it does, abuse still happens.
That is, perhaps, the porn industry’s biggest secret: it’s not all consensual.
If you’re not convinced content on mainstream sites isn’t all consensual, read this viral New York Times story, this BBC report, this Jezebel.com story, another story from the New York Times, this story on Daily Beast, this story on Complex.com, this Rolling Stone story, this Bustle.com story, this story on CNN, this News.com.au story, this Buzzfeed News profile, or this UK Independent story for further evidence that the mainstream porn industry features nonconsensual content and videos of trafficked individuals. Unfortunately, there are many, many more stories like these. And again, this is happening on virtually every mainstream porn site.
Of course, we are not claiming that all porn is nonconsensual, rather, we’re raising awareness on the unfortunate reality of the porn industry—that there is often no way to tell whether the porn a consumer views is completely consensual or if it was produced with coercion.
Popular and award-winning porn performer, Nikki Benz, was one prominent mainstream performer to come forward about her own abuse and call it out back in 2016. Describing the surprise attack she endured while filming a scene, she said that the director/performer and male co-star stomped on her head and choked her, even after she yelled “cut” during the filming. Keep in mind that she consented to rough sex acts before filming, but her calls to stop the scene were not heeded. Her consent was clearly violated.
Sadly, Benz’s story is just one of many, but thanks to her allegation, a handful of performers have spoken out against other performers, directors, and even production companies despite the risks to their careers.
4. Consumers can’t truly tell if porn is consensual
Many people believe that if a person is performing in a porn film, that consent was confirmed. This is an assumption that cannot be truly confirmed.
No doubt, achieving and confirming continual consent would be a huge step forward in protecting and respecting performers. However, this is really difficult in practice.
Consider this. In an attempt to establish consent between performers and producers, many shoots begin and end with performer interviews. On camera, they describe and agree to the acts they will participate in. After the shoot, they film an agreement stating all went according to their consent. Otherwise, the day’s footage is trashed (and they don’t get paid or booked again).
The problem with these interviews, particularly the exit interviews, is that performers have admitted to lying at times.
There is, unfortunately, a lot of incentive to do so. If they feel they’ve been abused during the shoot, it would be unsafe to address those complaints with their assailant in the room. Also, agreeing that the shoot went according to their consent ensures they are still paid for the work and saves their reputation in an industry that often blacklists performers who are “difficult” or develop a reputation for saying anything but positive things about their experiences.
5. Porn can become difficult to quit
When it comes to the topic of porn, one of the most common questions is whether or not it can actually be addictive. According to many addiction experts, it absolutely can be.
This brain science is complicated and detailed, so read our research-based articles about porn and the brain to learn more about this particular aspect of porn’s harms.
Just remember this: not everyone who watches porn is or will become addicted. Also, watching porn does not make someone a bad person.
6. Porn consumption can escalate to more extreme content
Porn not only becomes an intense habit, taking up your time and attention from your daily life, it is also an escalating behavior.
Research indicates that porn consumers can become desensitized to porn, often needing to consume more porn, more extreme forms of porn, or consume porn more often to get the same response they once did.
It’s not uncommon for consumers to eventually begin exploring what was previously considered unacceptable or “disgusting” to them. This can ultimately influence the consumer’s sexual tastes.
In a select few extreme cases, child abuse experts have said that extreme mainstream porn was the start for a consumer down a more illicit path.
Experts are seeing that many men who abuse children aren’t “natural-born pedophiles” or molesters already interested in children. Some have started out consuming abuse-themed porn readily available on popular porn sites, which has proved as a sort of stepping stone to having an interest in child abuse content or, in some cases, actually abusing children.
Don’t mistake what we’re saying here. Not everyone who consumes mainstream porn will end up abusing children, but this is information we can’t ignore.
7. Porn changes how consumers see other people
Sexual objectification occurs when people perceive others as sex objects rather than complex human beings deserving of dignity and respect. In fact, a review of research on sexual violence highlighted this. Two leading experts called sexual objectification the ‘common thread’ that connects different forms of sexual violence.Gervais, S. J., & Eagan, S. (2017). Sexual objectification: The common thread connecting myriad forms of sexual violence against women. The American journal of orthopsychiatry, 87(3), 226–232. https://doi.org/10.1037/ort0000257Copy
Research consistently shows that porn can play a big role in teaching viewers to consume people as products for their own personal sexual satisfaction. This can ultimately have unhealthy consequences for individuals, relationships, and the cultures in which we live.Skorska, M.N., Hodson, G., & Hoffarth, M.R. (2018). Experimental effects of degrading versus erotic pornography exposure in men on reactions toward women (objectification, sexism, discrimination). The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 27, 261 - 276.Copy Seabrook, R. C., Ward, L. M., & Giaccardi, S. (2019). Less than human? Media use, objectification of women, and men’s acceptance of sexual aggression. Psychology of Violence, 9(5), 536-545. doi:10.1037/vio0000198Copy
Obviously, porn is not an accurate representation of how everyday people look or how sex and intimacy work in real-life relationships, yet the research shows that porn can, and does, shape the way that consumers think about others and sex.
8. Porn chips away at consumers’ self-confidence and mental health
Research suggests that porn may actually fuel mental health issues rather than help them.
Studies have found that when people engage in an ongoing pattern of “self-concealment,” which is when they do things they’re not proud of and keep them a secret, it can not only hurt their relationships and leave them feeling lonely but can also make them more vulnerable to mental health issues.Laird, R. D., Marrero, M. D., Melching, J. A., and Kuhn, E. S. (2013). Information Management Strategies in Early Adolescence: Developmental Change in Use and Transactional Associations with Psychological Adjustment. Developmental Psychology, 49(5), 928–937. doi:10.1037/a0028845Copy Luoma, J. B., et. al. (2013). Self-Stigma in Substance Abuse: Development of a New Measure. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 35, 223–234. doi:10.1007/s10862-012-9323-4Copy Rotenberg, K. J., Bharathi, C., Davies, H., and Finch, T. (2013). Bulimic Symptoms and the Social Withdrawal Syndrome. Eating Behaviors, 14, 281–284. doi:10.1016/j.eatbeh.2013.05.003Copy
In fact, a number of peer-reviewed studies have found a link between pornography consumption and mental health outcomes like depression Harper, C., & Hodgins, D. C. (2016). Examining Correlates of Problematic Internet Pornography Use Among University Students. Journal of behavioral addictions, 5(2), 179–191. https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.5.2016.022Copy anxiety,Wordecha, M., Wilk, M., Kowalewska, E., Skorko, M., Łapiński, A., & Gola, M. (2018). 'Pornographic binges' as a key characteristic of males seeking treatment for compulsive sexual behaviors: Qualitative and quantitative 10-week-long diary assessment. Journal of behavioral addictions, 7(2), 433–444. https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.7.2018.33Copy loneliness,Butler, M. H., Pereyra, S. A., Draper, T. W., Leonhardt, N. D., & Skinner, K. B. (2018). Pornography Use and Loneliness: A Bidirectional Recursive Model and Pilot Investigation. Journal of sex & marital therapy, 44(2), 127–137. https://doi.org/10.1080/0092623X.2017.1321601Copy lower life satisfaction,Willoughby, B. J., Young-Petersen, B., & Leonhardt, N. D. (2018). Exploring trajectories of pornography use through adolescence and emerging adulthood.55(3), 297-309. doi:10.1080/00224499.2017.1368977Copy and poorer self-esteem and overall mental health.Koletić G. (2017). Longitudinal associations between the use of sexually explicit material and adolescents' attitudes and behaviors: A narrative review of studies. Journal of adolescence, 57, 119–133. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2017.04.006Copy These studies have found that these links are particularly strong when pornography is consumed to try to escape negative emotions, and also when pornography consumption becomes heavy and compulsive.Levin, M. E., Lillis, J., & Hayes, S. C. (2012). When is online pornography viewing problematic among college males? Examining the moderating role of experiential avoidance.19(3), 168-180. doi:10.1080/10720162.2012.657150Copy According to another study performed in the United States, researchers found a significant bi-directional association between pornography and loneliness, prompting them to conclude:
“Results revealed that the association between loneliness and viewing pornography was positive and significant…those who viewed pornography were more likely to experience loneliness, and those who were experiencing loneliness were more likely to view pornography. These findings are consistent with research linking pornography use to negative effects.”Butler, M. H., Pereyra, S. A., Draper, T. W., Leonhardt, N. D., & Skinner, K. B. (2018) Pornography Use and Loneliness: A Bidirectional Recursive Model and Pilot Investigation, Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 44:2, 127-137, DOI: 10.1080/0092623X.2017.1321601Copy
9. Porn can harm real relationships
Research has consistently shown that porn consumers tend to struggle in their relationships. Research suggests that porn leads to poorer relationship quality and increased cheating, fueling unhealthy relationship dynamics.
For example, dozens of studies have repeatedly shown that porn consumers tend to have lower relationship satisfaction and lower relationship quality.Wright, P. J., Tokunaga, R. S., Kraus, A., & Klann, E. (2017). Pornography consumption and satisfaction: A meta-analysis. Human Communication Research, 43(3), 315-343. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/hcre.12108Copy Perry S. L. (2020). Pornography and Relationship Quality: Establishing the Dominant Pattern by Examining Pornography Use and 31 Measures of Relationship Quality in 30 National Surveys. Archives of sexual behavior, 49(4), 1199–1213. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-019-01616-7Copy Perry, S. (2017). Does Viewing Pornography Reduce Marital Quality Over Time? Evidence From Longitudinal Data. Archives Of Sexual Behavior, 46(2), 549-559. Doi: 10.1007/S10508-016-0770-YCopy Porn consumers tend to experience more negative communication with their partners, feel less dedicated to their relationships, have a more difficult time making adjustments in their relationships, are less sexually satisfied, and commit more infidelity.Maddox, A. M., Rhoades, G. K., & Markman, H. J. (2011). Viewing sexually-explicit materials alone or together: associations with relationship quality. Archives of sexual behavior, 40(2), 441–448. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-009-9585-4Copy
Research also shows that porn consumers tend to become less committed to their partners Minarcik, J., Wetterneck, C. T., & Short, M. B. (2016). The Effects Of Sexually Explicit Material Use On Romantic Relationship Dynamics. Journal Of Behavioral Addictions, 5(4) 700-707. Doi: 10.1556/2006.5.2016.078Copy Lambert, N. M., Negash, S., Stillman, T. F., Olmstead, S. B., & Fincham, F. D. (2012). A love that doesn't last: Pornography consumption and weakened commitment to one's romantic partner. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 31(4), 410-438. doi:10.1521/jscp.2012.31.4.410Copy less satisfied in their relationships,Wright, P. J., Tokunaga, R. S., Kraus, A., & Klann, E. (2017). Pornography consumption and satisfaction: A meta-analysis. Human Communication Research, 43(3), 315-343. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/hcre.12108Copy and more accepting of cheating.Rasmussen, K. (2016). A Historical and Empirical Review of Pornography and Romantic Relationships: Implications for Family Researchers. Journal of Family Theory & Review, 8(2), 173-191. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jftr.12141Copy
Whether porn is the original culprit of a couple’s relationship problems or whether it becomes a coping mechanism for existing problems, many couples find themselves caught in an unhealthy cycle of porn and relationship issues, each fueling the other.
10. Porn is harmful, and it simply isn’t worth it
Porn is not harmless. Decades of research and numerous studies indicate that porn can have serious negative consequences. These consequences affect individuals, relationships, and society as a whole.
While the multi-billion dollar porn industry may try to sell porn as harmless entertainment, the preponderance of evidence suggests otherwise. Help build a healthier world by rejecting porn and its toxic narratives.
Need help?
For those reading this who feel they are struggling with pornography, you are not alone. Check out Fortify, a science-based recovery platform dedicated to helping you find lasting freedom from pornography. Fortify now offers a free experience for both teens and adults. Connect with others, learn about your unwanted porn habit, and track your recovery journey. There is hope—sign up today.
Fight the New Drug may receive financial support from purchases made using affiliate links.
