Why Sex and Porn Are Not the Problem

Rebecca Lewis May 24, 2013

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Many people complain about the ‘destructing’ effects of internet pornography. The concept that porn and sex are addictive went on for many, many years. Unfortunately, this belief is never backed by scientific research. Based on various studies which we are about to discuss, porn and sex are not really the problems. We are.

Various groups and organisations push for the banning of internet pornography because they claim it has harmful effects to the society. But even though it’s true that porn affects people, it does not override their values. The effects of watching a 10-minute sex video online for instance, do not extend beyond the feelings of pleasure that the person experiences. For example, if people watch a video depicting sex acts that they find distasteful, the video means nothing but a material that doesn’t make any sense. But when the acts they’ve seen appear fine with them, there’s a small chance that they will try it in real life. Furthermore, those who choose to watch violent pornography are those who already have a disposition towards violence. What does this mean? This means that pornography itself is not really the problem, just as most psychologists presume. So, regulating access to pornography is less likely going to have impact on people. They can always find a way to fulfil their hidden intimacies.

Let’s see what science has to say about porn.

Research headed by Milton Diamond and his colleagues at the University of Hawaii, has shown that since societies had access to pornography, the rate of sex crimes, including exhibitionism, rape and child abuse, went down.  Does this mean that porn is actually good for the society? Maybe not, but it could not be that harmful. Whilst individuals may not like the idea of watching porn, the society is hooked to it. They love it. And in some way, they benefit from it.

Let’s go deeper into the issue of porn addiction. Addiction is defined my psychologists as a condition that occurs when a person ingests a substance or engages in an activity that can be pleasurable but the continued use of which becomes compulsive and interferes with the person’s daily responsibilities in life, including his or her health, relationship, and work. If pornography is addictive, it should therefore trigger people to demonstrate compulsive behaviour that interferes with their life. But a recent study by the University of Otago Medical School in New Zealand revealed that only 1 per cent of people reported they were having problems in their life due to the difficulty in controlling their sexual behaviours, such as watching porn. Because of the very insignificant relationship between porn and ‘addictive behaviours’, it is hard to say that pornography causes addiction.

So if it isn’t porn then what is it to blame? It could be us – the people. A growing body of research suggests that the negative effects of pornography result not from the material itself but from the person who’s actually viewing it. Why? Here’s the thing, people tend to make poorer decisions when they’re ‘turned on’.

Another surprising fact – people who are fond of watching porn are generally those who like sex. Researchers at the University of British Columbia in Canada found that people who identify themselves as ‘porn addicts’ tend to be those who have high libido. These people are also those who can get aroused more quickly, or those who grew up in a home or culture where sex was perceived as morally wrong.

Why porn doesn’t affect the life of many

There’s no need for a rocket scientist to prove that pornography has evaded a significant portion of the world. Many people watch porn and many engage to sexual activities. These aren’t common only among married couples, but even among unmarried couples, even those who are not really into official romantic relationships. But how does the remaining 99 per cent of people who like sex and pornography do not experience any behavioural and emotional problems? Why didn’t it seem to affect their life? Why didn’t they get into trouble? The answer is simple. They don’t let themselves get affected. They know and understand themselves and their desires. Watching porn does not make them feel confused. Another thing, these people pay attention to themselves. When they are about to make decisions, they turn of the computer or cut the internet. It’s because they understand and accept how porn or sex could influence their decision making.

Years of research would tell us – sex or porn is not the problem. They only influence our behaviour, thoughts and decisions when we allow them to. Do you agree? Share your insights by posting a comment below.