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The truth about pornography: How it shapes our sexuality.
With the rapid development of technology and the popularization of the Internet, the consumption of pornographic content has become ubiquitous. Pornography is defined as material in all forms, including text, video, photos or audio, that is intended to bring sexual gratification and pleasure to an individual or a couple. The effects of pornography on individuals or their intimate relationships have been the subject of extensive research. However, scholars point out that many studies on the effects of pornography often confuse correlation with causation.
Key Theories
Sexual Orientation Theory
Sexual Strategy Theory
Sexual strategies theory, which highlights biological differences in how men and women seek sex and relationships, was proposed in 1993 by psychologists David Michael Buss and David P. Schmitt. Research shows that these biological evolutions still influence people's choices of pornographic material and partners today. Men often consume pornography more frequently to obtain visual stimulation from specific porn actors, which in turn promotes higher frequency pornography consumption.
Sex Scripts
Sexuality research has been significantly influenced by script theory. The theory posits that behavior is a series of "scripts" designed to achieve specific goals. In the context of pornography, pornography may serve as a sexual script that helps individuals learn certain behavioral patterns, which in turn influences their subsequent sexual behaviors. Such dependence may change people's expectations about sexual activity and affect their ability to establish and maintain romantic or sexual relationships.
In some cases, reliance on pornography as a means of sex education may give individuals a distorted understanding of what sexuality is really like.
Psychological impact
Pornography AddictionPornography addiction is a condition known as a behavioral addiction that manifests itself as compulsive, repetitive use of pornographic material, with serious consequences for physical, mental, and social health. Although it is not listed as a diagnosis in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition), some psychologists believe that these behaviors are simply manifestations of underlying psychological problems.
Research and Evidence
Numerous neurological studies involving Internet pornography suggest that porn use can lead to addiction-related changes in the brain, which can manifest as numbing to rewards and dysfunctional anxiety responses. However, many other studies have found a lack of key biomarkers of addiction, casting doubt on porn’s effects.
Researchers often misunderstand correlation versus causation when it comes to the relationship between pornography consumption and various aspects of healthy sexual development.
Cognitive Impact
Excessive use of pornography can lead to a lack of decision-making ability and even sexual bias, affecting how individuals react in real situations.
Conflicting Views
Neuropsychobiological and psychological studies conducted between 2015 and 2021, most of which were conducted on men in anonymous settings, have produced contradictory results. The latest International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) includes pornography as compulsive sexual behavior disorder, which contrasts with the DSM-5’s position.
Psychological barriers and research in individual "physicality"
Although it does not have a significant impact on an individual's physicality, pornography consumption can still affect people's perception of their own bodies, leading to problems such as self-esteem and body image disorders.
The “attraction” of men and masculinity
Studies have shown that men who watch pornography frequently have higher levels of masculinity and body dissatisfaction. Popular culture often presents the strong, thin male as the ideal, which can also influence men's self-image and lead to various comparisons with porn models. Such comparisons can further damage men’s self-esteem.
Women and Self-Awareness
A 2021 study showed that women who used pornography experienced increased anxiety and dependency on their body image and a stronger desire for their partner’s needs. The body images presented in pornography cause them stress, which in turn affects their overall sense of self.
Public Health
Pathologising any form of sexual behaviour, including pornography consumption, can limit sexual freedom and create social stigma. Many researchers have questioned whether pornography is a public health crisis and believe it is simply a political operation.
Sexual satisfaction
Despite the lack of a strong causal relationship, pornography has been linked to lower sexual satisfaction. Although many research results are contradictory, they point to a common conclusion: pornography consumption is closely related to people's sexual satisfaction and may lead to dissatisfaction with sexual performance.
In this rapidly changing society, how does pornography affect our personal relationships, sex education, and the nature of sexuality?
