It’s late.
A phone lights up in a dark room. One app closes, another opens. There’s no big decision, no dramatic moment—just a quiet shift into something private, something routine.
For many in Gen Z, this is how their relationship with porn begins. Not through a conversation. Not through education. Through access.
Based on data from LADbible’s report, including more than 5,300 young adults aged 18–29 in the UK, the report reveals a generation navigating sex, relationships, and identity in an environment where porn is always available, and often, always present.LADbible Group. (2025). Understanding Gen Z’s relationship with pornCopy
This aligns with broader research describing today’s youth as growing up in a “digital sexual environment,” where exposure to sexual content often happens before formal education or real-life experience.Owens, E. W., Behun, R. J., Manning, J. C., & Reid, R. C. (2012). Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity, 19(1–2), 99–122Copy
So this isn’t just about behavior.
It’s about formation—how expectations, beliefs, and internal narratives about sex are being shaped before many people even realize it’s happening.
Porn isn’t occasional—it’s embedded in daily life
The report shows that porn use is not rare or occasional for the 18-19 Gen Z population; it’s widespread and normalized.
77% of Gen Z report watching porn.
And more importantly, it’s frequent:
- 43% watch weekly
- 19% watch daily
That level of repetition changes the role porn plays.
Something you see once might surprise you. Something you see often becomes familiar. And something you see consistently can begin to feel like a reference point.
That’s where influence grows, not from a single exposure, but from repeated patterns.
The report highlights this tension clearly: many Gen Z viewers recognize that porn is unrealistic or exaggerated, yet still report that it shapes how they think about sex and relationships.
Research supports this. Studies on “sexual scripting” show that repeated exposure to sexual media shapes internal expectations about how sex is supposed to look, feel, and unfold.Wright, P. J. (2011). Annals of the International Communication Association, 35(1), 343–386Copy
So even when someone knows what they’re watching isn’t real, it still influences how they imagine real-life experiences should be. And when porn is highly exaggerated, it often ignores consent and is heavily scripted and edited; that’s a problematic platform for sex education.
Early exposure isn’t just common—it’s shaping long-term patterns
- 63% of Gen Z first viewed porn before age 16
- 1 in 20 accessed porn before age 10
These numbers are significant not just because of how many, but because of when.
Early adolescence is when people are forming foundational ideas about relationships, attraction, boundaries, and identity. It’s a stage defined by curiosity and learning. Young brains are still developing, and mirror neurons—brain cells that activate both when we do something and when we watch someone else do it—can make what we see feel more real and personally experienced.
When porn becomes part of that education stage—without explanation or context—it can quietly become a baseline. And what you see in porn is what you expect in real life. From the report, 76% of Gen Z-ers say they’ve wanted to replicate something they’ve seen in porn.
The report shows how early exposure makes this even more problematic:
- 50% of those who started before age 10 became daily viewers
This suggests a pattern where early exposure doesn’t just introduce porn—it increases the likelihood of ongoing, habitual use.
Neuroscience research adds context here. Repeated exposure to highly stimulating content strengthens neural pathways associated with reward and habit formation.Kühn, S., & Gallinat, J. (2014). JAMA Psychiatry, 71(7), 827–834Copy
Combined with modern access—8 in 10 using free sites and over a third encountering porn through social media—porn is no longer something separate. It’s embedded in the same ecosystem where identity is being formed. Scary.
Porn is filling the gaps left by missing conversations
- 49% of men say they use porn to learn about sex
- 65% say porn was their first exposure to sex
These numbers point to something bigger than consumption—they point to substitution.
So if individuals are using porn to learn about sex and encounter their first exposure, what are they primarily being exposed to?
Today’s porn is endless. You can access almost any type of porn from almost any device that connects to the internet. Even porn that’s illegal.
Mainstream porn can include harmful content, such as:
- Aggression, strangulation, slapping, hair pulling, physical and verbal abuse
- “Barely legal” content, performers who are 18 or are portraying younger characters
- Incest, step-family narratives
- Stereotypes, sexism, racism, and objectification
- Lack of consent
When healthy sex education is limited, uncomfortable, or incomplete, people turn to what’s available. And for many, porn becomes that source.
“It was my main source of education… it resulted in a very unhealthy relationship with sex—including some non-consent experiences and more aggressive forms—as I thought that was the expectation.” – Male, 18–20
Research supports this pattern. Adolescents often turn to explicit media when formal sex education feels insufficient or inaccessible.Brown, J. D., & L’Engle, K. L. (2009). Communication Research, 36(1), 129–151Copy
But porn teaches through performance. It shows actions, not communication. Scripted moments, not relationships. No connection.
And when it becomes the default educator, what’s missing matters just as much as what’s shown.
Expectations aren’t just influenced—they’re being rewritten
- 64% say porn has influenced what turns them on
- 49% say it has changed expectations of real-life sex
- 76% have wanted to try what they’ve seen
“Porn has influenced society by creating unrealistic expectations about sex and relationships, especially around appearance and performance.” -Male, 21–24
What people see influences curiosity. Curiosity drives behavior. Behavior reinforces expectation. Over time, that cycle can redefine what feels normal.
The report also shows progression:
- Over half report needing more extreme or different content over time
This aligns with research showing repeated exposure to novel stimuli can shift preferences and increase desire for variation.Zimbardo, P., & Coulombe, N. (2015). Man, InterruptedCopy
And in a digital environment driven by algorithms, that progression is often accelerated.
This means expectations aren’t static—they evolve in response to what’s repeatedly seen.
We’ve heard time and time again from those who have been arrested for CSAM or viewing child pornography or for paying for sex, that they never expected to end up in these extreme dark corners of the internet. For many, it started with “normal” porn use and escalated over time, leading them to do things they thought they’d never do.
We’re not saying everyone who watches porn will end up here, but we can’t ignore the need for increased novelty, which can lead people down paths they didn’t expect to.
Gen Z are worried about how much porn they watch
- 49% of men and 31% of women say they struggle to reduce or quit how much porn they watch
- 1 in 2 men worry they watch too much porn
These findings reveal something important: for many people, porn use doesn’t feel entirely casual or fully within their control.
That doesn’t necessarily mean everyone who struggles is addicted. But it does suggest that many Gen Z users are experiencing a disconnect between their intentions and their habits. They may want to cut back, stop, or regain balance—but find that more difficult than expected.
And that difficulty makes sense in the context of how digital platforms work.
Porn today is instant, endless, personalized, and available 24/7. Algorithms are designed to keep users engaged by continuously offering novelty and stimulation. In many ways, it operates within the same attention economy as social media platforms—where engagement is constantly rewarded and interruption is minimized.
Research on problematic pornography use supports this pattern. Studies have found that some users report compulsive or difficult-to-control behaviors surrounding porn consumption, especially when use becomes tied to stress relief, loneliness, boredom, or emotional coping.Grubbs, J. B., Volk, F., Exline, J. J., & Pargament, K. I. (2015). Internet pornography use: Perceived addiction, psychological distress, and the validation of a brief measure. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 41(1), 83–106Copy
The LADbible report reflects this emotional complexity. Many respondents described porn use as something that could feel automatic, habitual, or difficult to step away from—even when they no longer felt good about the amount they consumed.
That tension can create frustration and confusion.
On one hand, porn is normalized and widely discussed online as a routine part of modern life. On the other hand, many users privately report feeling concerned about how often they watch, how it affects their mindset, or how difficult it feels to stop.
And because these conversations are often surrounded by shame or silence, many people navigate those concerns alone.
Thankfully, we know that no matter how difficult it may seem, quitting porn is possible. We’ve heard from countless individuals who have struggled for years, some their entire lives. The brain is amazing and can rewire itself.
If you’re looking for help quitting porn, our friends at Relay have created an incredible connection-focused app to help you quit porn for good. Try it for free and see for yourself.
Self-image and mental health are part of the picture
- 48% say porn impacts self-esteem
- Over 40% compare themselves to performers
And importantly:
The more porn someone watches, the more likely they are to report worse body image, more comparison, and higher anxiety or depression symptoms.
This reflects a cumulative effect.
Repeated exposure to curated, idealized content shapes perception—especially during formative years.
Research confirms this link between sexualized media and body dissatisfaction.Tylka, T. L. (2015). Psychology of Men & Masculinity, 16(1), 97–107Copy You become conditioned to believe the edited, often enhanced bodies you see in porn are normal and that you should look like that as well. What you don’t see are the implants, the Botox, the male enhancement drugs, and all the editing that goes into making porn.
Performers appear to go forever (thanks to drugs and lots of cuts and editing), and to enjoy every single second of every scene. We know that isn’t true or reality, but when we consume porn over and over, it’s hard to convince our brain otherwise.
Real-life relationships are feeling the effects
- 32% report decreased interest in real-life sex
- 34% report sexual dysfunction linked to porn use
These findings point to something deeper than screen habits—they point to how repeated digital experiences can shape real-life expectations and connections.
Porn doesn’t replace relationships—but it can reshape how relationships are experienced.
When someone spends significant time engaging with highly curated, endlessly novel, and performance-driven sexual content, real-life intimacy can begin to feel different by comparison. Real relationships involve vulnerability, communication, unpredictability, emotional presence, and mutual effort. Porn, by contrast, is designed for immediate stimulation and constant novelty.
Over time, that contrast can affect expectations.
The LADbible report suggests many Gen Z users are noticing that shift in themselves. Some report lower interest in partnered intimacy, while others describe difficulties with arousal, satisfaction, or sexual performance in real-life situations.
Research supports these concerns. Studies have linked pornography consumption with lower relationship satisfaction, reduced intimacy, and changing expectations surrounding sex and attraction.Perry, S. L. (2017). Does viewing pornography reduce marital quality over time? Archives of Sexual Behavior, 46(2), 549–559Copy
Other research has found that frequent porn use can contribute to increased comparison between real-life partners and the exaggerated performances or appearances seen online, which may leave some individuals feeling less satisfied with their actual relationships.Wright, P. J., Bridges, A. J., Sun, C., Ezzell, M. B., & Johnson, J. (2018). Personal pornography viewing and sexual satisfaction: A quadratic analysis. Journal of Sex Research, 55(2), 214–222)Copy
That dissatisfaction doesn’t necessarily mean people care less about relationships. In many cases, it reflects a growing disconnect between digitally conditioned expectations and the realities of human intimacy.
If someone becomes accustomed to constant novelty, exaggerated performance, or unrealistic portrayals of bodies and sex, real-life relationships can start to feel less exciting, less visually stimulating, or less immediately rewarding by comparison.
And unlike content online, real intimacy requires patience, communication, emotional presence, compromise, and mutual understanding.
That’s part of why this conversation is larger than sex alone.
It’s about how digital media can shape what people expect from closeness, attraction, and connection itself.
What’s missing: communication, consent, and realism
- 64% don’t recall seeing consent in porn
- 75% want more communication shown
This gap stands out—not just because of the numbers, but because of what they represent.
For a generation that is increasingly aware of concepts like consent, boundaries, and mutual respect, the content they’re consuming often doesn’t reflect those same values. Instead, what’s commonly portrayed prioritizes performance, intensity, and visual appeal over communication, emotional connection, or clarity between partners.
Research analyzing mainstream porn supports this. Studies have found that explicit communication and consent are rarely depicted compared to physical acts, meaning viewers are often exposed to interactions without seeing how those interactions are negotiated or agreed upon.Bridges, A. J., Wosnitzer, R., Scharrer, E., Sun, C., & Liberman, R. (2010). Violence Against Women, 16(10), 1065–1085Copy
That absence matters—especially when porn is functioning as a primary or early source of information.
If someone is learning about intimacy from content that skips over communication, they aren’t just missing information—they’re missing context. They’re seeing outcomes without understanding the conversations that make those outcomes healthy, mutual, or respectful.
The LADbible report shows that Gen Z recognizes this disconnect.
Beyond wanting more communication, many respondents also expressed a desire for more realistic body types, more authentic reactions, more relatable depictions of intimacy, and more emphasis on mutual decision-making and emotional connection.
This isn’t passive dissatisfaction—it’s active critique.
Gen Z isn’t simply consuming what’s available and accepting it at face value. They are identifying gaps between what they see and what they feel is missing from their understanding of real relationships.
That awareness is significant.
It suggests that while porn may be shaping expectations, it is not doing so unchallenged. Many young people are noticing where it falls short—and asking for something that better reflects communication, realism, and connection.
Gen Z isn’t ignoring the issue—they’re asking for help
- 80% are worried about porn’s impact on their generation
- 77% want more resources to help navigate porn and sex
- 61% want better sex education
These numbers point to something important: awareness.
Gen Z is not disengaged from this topic. They are not indifferent to the role porn plays in their lives. Instead, many are actively reflecting on it—trying to understand how it affects them, where it helps, and where it creates confusion or pressure.
That level of concern suggests that the issue isn’t hidden—it’s felt.
And yet, despite that awareness, many still report navigating it largely on their own.
The report highlights a disconnect between what young people are experiencing and the support systems available to them. While porn is widely accessible, conversations about it often are not. While exposure is constant, guidance is limited.
Research in public health and education reinforces this need. Comprehensive, media-literate sex education—education that addresses not just biology but also relationships, consent, and media influence—is widely recognized as essential in helping young people interpret and contextualize what they encounter online.World Health Organization. (2010). Standards for sexuality education in EuropeCopy
Without that context, individuals are left to interpret complex and often unrealistic portrayals on their own.
What makes this moment different is that Gen Z is asking for something better.
They’re asking for education that feels relevant to their digital reality, resources that address both the benefits and challenges of porn, and conversations that move beyond silence or discomfort.
This reflects a generation that isn’t rejecting information—they’re seeking it.
A generation learning in real time
That late-night scroll still happens.But now, the data gives it context.
It represents a generation learning about intimacy in an environment shaped by access, algorithms, and limited guidance. It reflects how exposure can come before understanding—and how repetition can shape expectations before those expectations are ever questioned. It also reveals something more nuanced.
Gen Z is not simply being influenced—they are navigating that influence. They are forming opinions, questioning what they see, and recognizing gaps between portrayal and reality.
The LADbible report, alongside broader research, points to a consistent theme: When porn becomes one of the primary sources of information about sex, it doesn’t just influence behavior—it influences perception. It shapes ideas about bodies, relationships, communication, and what intimacy is supposed to look like.
And when those portrayals lack context, communication, or realism, that influence becomes more complicated to interpret.
At the same time, the data shows that Gen Z is not passive in this process.
They are aware of the contradictions. They recognize the limitations. They are asking for better tools to understand what they’re seeing. That combination—high exposure paired with growing awareness—creates both a challenge and an opportunity.
The challenge is clear: a generation navigating complex messages about sex and relationships with limited guidance. Because this conversation isn’t just about porn. It’s about how people learn what connection looks like. How they understand themselves in relation to others. And how they build expectations for relationships in a world where so much of that learning happens through screens.
And right now, many are still trying to figure that out in real time.
Your Support Matters Now More Than Ever
Most kids today are exposed to porn by the age of 12. By the time they’re teenagers, 75% of boys and 70% of girls have already viewed itRobb, M.B., & Mann, S. (2023). Teens and pornography. San Francisco, CA: Common Sense.Copy —often before they’ve had a single healthy conversation about it.
Even more concerning: over half of boys and nearly 40% of girls believe porn is a realistic depiction of sexMartellozzo, E., Monaghan, A., Adler, J. R., Davidson, J., Leyva, R., & Horvath, M. A. H. (2016). “I wasn’t sure it was normal to watch it”: A quantitative and qualitative examination of the impact of online pornography on the values, attitudes, beliefs and behaviours of children and young people. Middlesex University, NSPCC, & Office of the Children’s Commissioner.Copy . And among teens who have seen porn, more than 79% of teens use it to learn how to have sexRobb, M.B., & Mann, S. (2023). Teens and pornography. San Francisco, CA: Common Sense.Copy . That means millions of young people are getting sex ed from violent, degrading content, which becomes their baseline understanding of intimacy. Out of the most popular porn, 33%-88% of videos contain physical aggression and nonconsensual violence-related themesFritz, N., Malic, V., Paul, B., & Zhou, Y. (2020). A descriptive analysis of the types, targets, and relative frequency of aggression in mainstream pornography. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 49(8), 3041-3053. doi:10.1007/s10508-020-01773-0Copy Bridges et al., 2010, “Aggression and Sexual Behavior in Best-Selling Pornography Videos: A Content Analysis,” Violence Against Women.Copy .
From increasing rates of loneliness, depression, and self-doubt, to distorted views of sex, reduced relationship satisfaction, and riskier sexual behavior among teens, porn is impacting individuals, relationships, and society worldwideFight the New Drug. (2024, May). Get the Facts (Series of web articles). Fight the New Drug.Copy .
This is why Fight the New Drug exists—but we can’t do it without you.
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