Watching violent online pornography is linked to poorer sexual health

A recent study published in the journal Behavioral Sciences suggests that young adults who frequently watch violent online pornography may experience poorer sexual health outcomes. The research involved 3,607 Spanish participants aged 18-35, with 1,985 of them being sexually active and having consumed pornography in the past year.

This group comprised 1,249 men and 736 women. Participants were asked about their pornography viewing habits and sexual experiences through detailed questionnaires. The researchers categorized the participants based on the most extreme type of pornography they regularly consumed: nonviolent, degrading/humiliating without physical violence, or physically violent.

The study found that consuming physically violent pornography was widespread among both men and women, with 63% of men and 51% of women reporting this viewing habit. Men who watched physically violent content had lower levels of empathy and sexual assertiveness compared to those who watched nonviolent pornography. Both men and women who watched physically violent pornography showed a higher acceptance of violence against women.

Men were more likely to report enjoying sexual activities and having fun, but also reported greater discomfort and difficulty achieving or maintaining erections. Women who watched physically violent pornography were more likely to struggle with reaching orgasm during partnered sexual activity. Additionally, both men and women who watched violent pornography reported higher rates of recent sexually transmitted infections, including gonorrhea, human papillomavirus, and chlamydia.

The researchers hypothesized that the unrealistic sexual fantasies created by violent pornography may cause distress or moral incongruence when not fulfilled in real life, interfering with physical sexual function and satisfaction for both genders.