A study indicates that frequent consumption of pornography does not have to become problematic
Pornography is a controversial subject and taboo for many people. Despite this, the consumption of pornography is very common. The Internet has irreparably altered the availability and access to pornography, making it easier and cheaper to obtain and view in greater quantities. The use of pornography can become problematic, as its excessive use can interfere with people’s lives and functioning. This is often described as “pornography addiction”, although there is currently no such diagnosis in the psychiatric setting.
ONE study published in the Journal of Sex Research reviewed all available studies linking the amount of pornography use to problem use, including other factors that may affect or moderate this relationship. A total of 61 different studies with 74,880 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The studies had to measure the duration or frequency of pornography use and the occurrence of problematic use.
The results showed a statistically significant relationship between the amount of pornography consumption and problematic pornography use. But the strength of the relationship was tempered by other factors.
The relationship between pornography consumption and problems associated with consumption was stronger in countries that were more conservative from a sexual point of view.
In terms of quantity, frequency of use more accurately predicted use with adverse lifetime effects than time spent consuming pornography. Furthermore, this study found that the relationship between the amount of pornography consumption and the problems associated with its use was stronger for people in the more sexually conservative countries. No significant differences were found in gender or sexual orientation.
REFERENCE
The association between amount and severity of pornography use: a meta-analysis