The effects of pornography on attitudes towards intercourse and body image have been widely documented in scientific literature.
Less attention has been paid to how it may shape comparative thinking about partners in general and intimate relationships in particular. In this study, we examine whether individuals who watch more pornography report greater levels of dissatisfaction with their own romantic relationships due to perceived differences between them and idealized images from what they consume online. We also investigate whether this effect varies depending on the type of pornography consumed (i.e., heterosexual vs. homosexual) and the relationship status of the participant (i.e., single vs. coupled).
We explore whether these patterns are explained by differences in self-reported sexual desire or sexual satisfaction. Participants were recruited through social media and completed an anonymous survey that assessed demographic characteristics, pornography consumption habits, partner comparison tendencies, and relationship quality. Results showed that both heterosexuals and gay men exposed to pornography reported higher levels of partner comparison than those who did not.
Among those exposed to pornography, higher exposure was associated with lower relationship satisfaction and greater reports of partner comparison for heterosexuals but not gay men. These findings suggest that pornography may shape expectations for intimacy and affect relationships outside of the bedroom. They underscore the need for further research into the psychological impacts of pornography use on romantic partnerships, including potential mechanisms and mediators.
Pornography is a multibillion-dollar industry that has become increasingly accessible thanks to advances in technology and changes in societal norms about sex and sexuality. While there have been many studies on how pornography can influence attitudes towards intercourse and body image, few investigations have examined its effects on comparative thinking about partners in general and intimate relationships specifically. This study addresses this gap in the literature by exploring whether individuals who watch more pornography report greater levels of dissatisfaction with their own romantic relationships due to perceived differences between them and idealized images from what they consume online. To do so, we conducted an online survey of adults recruited through social media platforms. Participants were asked to complete measures assessing demographic characteristics (i.e., age, gender), pornography consumption habits (i.e., frequency of viewing, types consumed), partner comparison tendencies (i.e., tendency to compare one's partner to others), relationship quality (i.e., satisfaction with relationship, commitment), and other relevant variables (i.e., self-reported sexual desire).
Results showed that both heterosexuals and gay men exposed to pornography reported higher levels of partner comparison than those who did not.
Among those exposed to pornography, higher exposure was associated with lower relationship satisfaction and greater reports of partner comparison for heterosexuals but not gay men. These findings suggest that pornography may shape expectations for intimacy and affect relationships outside of the bedroom. They underscore the need for further research into the psychological impacts of pornography use on romantic partnerships, including potential mechanisms and mediators.
It is important to note that these findings do not imply causality.
They do provide evidence that pornography can influence comparative thinking about partners and potentially contribute to negative outcomes such as lower relationship satisfaction. Future studies should explore whether this effect varies depending on factors such as personality traits or sexual orientation.
Interventions aimed at mitigating the harmful effects of excessive pornography use should consider addressing partner comparison tendencies in addition to sexual behavior and attitudes.
Our study contributes to the literature by highlighting the potential downsides of pornography use beyond its impact on sexual functioning and body image.
How does pornography exposure affect partner comparison tendencies?
Pornography is a form of media that has become increasingly accessible with the rise of the internet. It can be argued that its effect on our sexuality has not been fully understood by society as it relates to our perception of ourselves and other people. Pornography often features individuals who are extremely attractive and have unrealistic body types. When individuals view this type of content, they may begin to compare themselves to those images and feel less than ideal.