New research suggests that, contrary to previous literature, the use of online pornography does not negatively impact evaluations of the self or others. The findings were published in Sexual and Relationship Therapy.
As the use of online sexually explicit material (oSEM) has grown, so has the concern over its influence on mental well-being. Despite the increased interest, scientific conclusions remain inconsistent. Some studies have reported an association between oSEM-use and negative outcomes, such as reduced body satisfaction, increased sexist attitudes, and reduced sexual satisfaction. Other studies have outlined positive outcomes, like improved sexual satisfaction.
In an attempt to clarify the relationship between oSEM-use and mental health outcomes, study author Ruth Charig and her team wanted to explore the topic through the lens of the Differential Susceptibility to Media Effects Model (DSMM).
“One of the central propositions of the DSMM is the notion of media effects being indirect: i.e., that individual response-states (such as cognitive appraisals of the media) mediate the relationship between media-exposure and effects,” the researchers say.
One variable that may influence an individual’s susceptibility to the media is perceived realism — in this case, the extent to which a person believes oSEM is a realistic portrayal of sexual behavior. The authors, therefore, examined perceived realism as a potential mediator.
An online survey questioned 252 heterosexual men and women on the frequency of their online pornography use. The survey also assessed their mental well-being, sexual satisfaction, body satisfaction, sexist attitudes towards men, and sexist attitudes towards women.
First, results showed that 79% of respondents had used oSEM in the last three months, and 85% had used oSEM in their lifetime. The vast majority (80%) reported that they believed the sex portrayed in oSEM to be either “unrealistic” or “somewhat unrealistic.”
Interestingly, results revealed no significant relationships between oSEM-use and mental well-being, sexual satisfaction, body satisfaction, or sexism. Furthermore, the analysis found no evidence for the mediating role of perceived realism in the relationships between oSEM-use and any of these outcomes.
As the researchers say, “These results arguably provide some evidence that the correlates of normative oSEM-use may not be as pervasive or significant as some literature would have us believe.”
“In our sample, there was little association between oSEM-use and important evaluations of self (in terms of sexual and body satisfaction, and mental well-being) or others (in terms of sexist attitudes), despite posited links.”
One limitation of the study was that its final sample did not include adults of atypical gender or sexual identities. The researchers suggest that future studies should include diverse groups to offer a more complete study of the subject.
The study authors suggest implications for their findings. “Continuing to understand the positive uses and influences of oSEM through research may further challenge the cultural discourses focused on harm, and potentially contribute to healthier and more fulfilling sex lives. If evidence suggests that these stimuli are not inherently/unconditionally harmful, there may be more scope to explore potential beneficial applications or adjunctive uses within clinical settings.”
The study, “A lack of association between online pornography exposure, sexual functioning, and mental well-being”, was authored by Ruth Charig, Nima G. Moghaddam, David L. Dawson, Hannah L. Merdian, and Roshan das Nair.
