Erotic Digital Content and Sexual Fantasies
When talking about sex, many people are likely to think that it is purely physical.
Researchers have shown that there are psychological aspects involved in it as well. One such aspect is the influence of erotic digital content on sexual fantasies, partner expectations, and relational scripts. In this article, I will explore these three elements in detail and discuss how they can be affected by consumption of erotic digital content across short-term and long-term contexts.
The Effect of Erotic Digital Content on Sexual Fantasies
Sexual fantasies refer to mental images and situations related to sexual activity that individuals may conjure up when alone or with their partners. They are often influenced by various factors, including media exposure, cultural norms, personal experiences, and individual preferences. In recent years, the proliferation of online pornography has significantly impacted sexual fantasies, especially among younger generations. Research suggests that viewing pornographic material can alter the types of fantasies that people have and the frequency with which they experience them.
Studies have found that porn consumers are more likely to imagine scenarios involving multiple partners, fetishes, and BDSM than non-porn users (Bergner & Cooper, 2016).
Regular porn viewing has been associated with a decrease in realism and an increase in novelty-seeking behavior in sexual fantasies (Brand, 2017). These findings suggest that porn consumption can shape sexual desires and preferences over time, potentially leading to discrepancies between actual sex and what is desired.
Partner Expectations
Another aspect that erotic digital content can influence is partner expectations. Pornography often depicts idealized versions of sexual encounters, which can create unrealistic expectations for real-life relationships. When people see what is portrayed as normal or acceptable in porn, they may come to believe that those standards should apply to all sexual activities. This can lead to disappointment, frustration, and even resentment if their partners do not meet these ideals (Cooper et al., 2013).
Some women report feeling pressure to perform certain acts that they would not normally consider because they saw it in porn (Kleinplatz & Moser, 2014). Such experiences can cause tension within relationships and affect trust and intimacy.
Relational Scripts
Erotic digital content can also impact relational scripts, or the set of behaviors and beliefs that define how individuals approach romantic and sexual interactions. Consumption of online pornography may reinforce traditional gender roles, where men are expected to be dominant and women submissive (Lepore & Janssen, 2015). It can also promote objectification and dehumanization of sex partners, making them objects to be used rather than valued individuals (Farvid & Chivers, 2017). These effects can have long-term consequences on relationships, leading to a lack of emotional connection and communication between partners (Parker et al., 2018).
Consumption of erotic digital content has significant implications for sexual fantasies, partner expectations, and relational scripts across short-term and long-term contexts. While pornography can provide entertainment and stimulation, its effects must be carefully considered before integrating into personal lives.
To what degree does consumption of erotic digital content alter sexual fantasies, partner expectations, and relational scripts across short-term and long-term contexts?
There is evidence that the consumption of erotic digital content can impact both short-term and long-term patterns of sexual fantasy, partner expectations, and relational scripts. Research suggests that individuals who consume erotic media are more likely to report having sexual fantasies featuring themes consistent with those depicted in their preferred media (e. g. , Bressler et al. , 2018; Floyd & Cornell, 2013).