The Porn Myth summary

Does pornography really influence our thoughts and actions? This question has long been debated, yet evidence continues to mount suggesting that different forms of media profoundly shape our attitudes and behaviors. 

Consider the power of advertising. Companies pour billions into brief TV commercials and billboards. Extensive research shows that – however free and in control we might feel – the images and catchy slogans of this big business do indeed alter our purchasing decisions. Whether we like it or not, advertising works.

Now apply this principle to pornography. Can graphic sexual images teach and encourage certain behaviors in viewers? Experts say they can. Humans learn by observing others – what’s called observational learning. Just as advertising subtly tweaks our perceptions, pornography slowly and unknowingly molds our sexual desires.

While correlation doesn’t prove causation, some studies reveal that high exposure to porn is linked with increased sexual aggression, especially among men already at risk for such behavior. A 2000 study divided men into high vs low risk for aggressiveness. For low-risk men, more porn didn't correlate with more violence. But among high-risk men, those watching more porn were "much more likely" to engage in aggression against women.

Other research has found that porn reduces commitment to romantic relationships. Investigators asked a group of male college students in relationships to abstain from porn for a period of time. Meanwhile, a control group was asked to give up their favorite food. In the end, those who’d been chosen to forgo pornography reported greater dedication to their real-life relationship than the second group. 

Pornography's impact also shows up physically. Shocking numbers of healthy men in their 20s now struggle with erectile dysfunction, or ED, during in-person sexual encounters. Doctors link surging rates of ED to frequent masturbation to porn. Studies show that today, nearly 30 percent of males aged 18 to 24 have some degree of ED, versus just 5 percent in 1992.

In one survey, three out of five young men admitted they could get aroused and reach orgasm viewing porn, but regularly experienced ED issues with actual partners. Extensive porn consumption seems to accustom the brain to constant novelty, variety, and intensity – all without any demand of fulfilling a real sexual partner. When this route to sexual release becomes the norm, real intimacy with another person loses some of its appeal.

Of course, measuring the effect of media on populations is never easy. And of course, different people respond differently. But more and more research suggests that, just as junk food wrecks our bodies, junk media damages our minds. Both gradually rewire our natural human instincts. Just as smart eaters limit sugar and choose healthy whole foods, when it comes to pornography's allure, smart media consumers will exercise restraint.