Pornography is increasingly accessible to teenagers through the internet, which has raised concerns about its impact on their sexual development. This article explores how pornography exposure during adolescence shapes adult sexual scripts, expectations, and relational satisfaction. It discusses empirical evidence from research studies on this issue and provides suggestions for parents and educators to help teens navigate these challenges. By understanding how pornography can influence attitudes and behaviors related to sex, we can support healthy sexual development and relationship outcomes in adulthood.
Let's define what we mean by sexual scripts and how they shape sexual behavior. According to social psychologist Albert Bandura, scripts are patterns of thought and action that guide behavior in specific contexts. In the case of sex, sexual scripts refer to the socially learned beliefs and expectations about how people should act during sexual encounters. These scripts may include ideas about what types of touching or intimacy are appropriate, how often partners should have sex, who initiates it, and whether certain acts are taboo or desirable.
Researchers have found that viewing pornography can alter sexual scripts, particularly during adolescence when individuals are still forming their own views about sex.
A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that boys who viewed more pornography were more likely to believe that women enjoy aggressive sexual acts and that men should dominate in bed (Broude et al., 2017). Another study found that girls who had seen pornographic images were more likely to agree with statements like "sex is just for pleasure" and "men want sex all the time" (Pascoe & Muehlenhard, 2004). These findings suggest that exposure to pornography can lead to unrealistic expectations about sex, which could create problems in adult relationships if those expectations do not match reality.
In addition to influencing sexual scripts, pornography exposure may also affect relational satisfaction later in life. A study conducted by researchers at Brigham Young University found that young adults who watched pornography frequently reported lower relationship quality and increased infidelity rates compared to those who did not (Cooper, Putnam, Lindsay, & Hill, 2016). This may be because pornography creates unrealistic standards for sexual performance and communication, leading to dissatisfaction with real-life partners. Pornography use has also been linked to higher rates of divorce among married couples (Cooper et al., 2016).
It's important to note that not all studies have shown negative effects of pornography on adult sexual behavior. Some research suggests that viewing pornography can actually improve sexual functioning by increasing arousal and reducing anxiety (e.g., Meredith et al., 2018). It's also possible that individuals who watch pornography are already predisposed towards certain attitudes or behaviors and that their views are influenced by other factors as well (Baker & Dillard, 2017).
To help teens navigate the challenges of pornography exposure, parents and educators should talk openly about healthy sexual development and provide accurate information about sex. This includes discussing topics like consent, safer sex practices, and the importance of communication in relationships. Parents should also monitor their children's internet usage and set clear boundaries around what is acceptable and what is not.
Exposure to pornography during adolescence can shape adult sexual scripts, expectations, and relational satisfaction. By understanding this phenomenon, we can support healthier sexual development and relationship outcomes in adulthood.
How does pornography exposure during adolescence shape adult sexual scripts, expectations, and relational satisfaction?
Pornography is increasingly available online with easy access for teenagers. According to research studies, young people are prone to watch pornography as they develop their sexual identity and sexuality. Pornographic content influences how they view sex and relationships, which may have consequences on their future dating lives. Pornography can shape the sexual scripts of individuals by creating unrealistic expectations about sex that become difficult to fulfill in real life situations.