Many studies have been conducted to examine the impact of pornography consumption on people's behavior. One of the most controversial aspects is whether watching explicit videos contributes to increased levels of sexual aggression, coercion, and normative sexual behaviors. There is a growing body of research that shows that there is an association between viewing pornography and aggressive behavior towards women.
It is unclear how this connection works exactly and what kind of effects it has on individuals who watch pornographic content. In this article, we will explore the potential consequences of consuming pornography for men, women, teenagers, and children.
Sexual Aggression
Pornography consumption has been linked to a number of negative outcomes, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, and rape. Studies have found that men who consume pornography are more likely to hold attitudes supportive of sexual violence and be more accepting of violent pornography than those who do not. This can lead to increased sexual aggression against women in real life situations.
A study published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence found that men who watched violent pornography were more likely to believe that women enjoy being physically forced into sex and were less empathetic towards their victims. Another study found that men who consumed pornography had higher rates of coercive and controlling behaviors in their relationships with women. These findings suggest that viewing pornography may normalize violence and make men more prone to engage in it.
Coercion
The use of force or pressure to obtain sexual activity is another form of sexual aggression that is often associated with pornography consumption. Pornography can depict acts of physical and psychological coercion as normal and acceptable behavior. This can lead to people believing that these actions are acceptable in real-life situations and increasingly using them to get what they want from others. A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Research found that young men who viewed pornography were more likely to engage in coercive sexual behavior than those who did not. The study also showed that exposure to violent pornography was positively correlated with greater likelihood of committing date rape.
Normative Sexual Behaviors
In addition to sexual aggression, some researchers argue that watching pornography can lead to normative sexual behavior, such as promiscuity, infidelity, and unrealistic expectations about sex. People who consume pornography may come to believe that certain types of sexual behavior are expected or desired by society, which can influence their own behavior in real life.
A study published in the journal Archives of Sexual Behavior found that men who watched pornography were more likely to report having casual sex and engaging in risky sexual activities than those who did not. Another study found that viewing pornography can create an expectation for women to perform certain sexual acts that might not be achievable in real life.
There is evidence to suggest that consuming pornography has negative effects on individuals' behavior towards other people. It can promote sexual aggression, coercion, and unrealistic standards of sexual behavior. These behaviors can have serious consequences for both individuals and society at large. Further research is needed to fully understand how pornography consumption affects human behavior and develop strategies to mitigate these negative effects.
What are the effects of pornography consumption on sexual aggression, coercion, and normative sexual behaviors?
The research has shown that there is no conclusive evidence linking regular pornography consumption with increased rates of sexual violence or aggression. Studies have demonstrated that pornography may play an important role in shaping people's attitudes toward sex, but it does not necessarily lead to the objectification of women or men. Additionally, some studies suggest that consuming pornography can result in more positive attitudes towards same-sex relationships as well as better self-esteem for both genders.