The effects of pornography on the relationship will depend on the characteristics and considerations of both partners.
Last update: February 19, 2022
Have you ever consumed pornography? What do you think are the effects of pornography on the relationship? Do you think that the impact is significant or, on the contrary, that it does not affect that much? The debate on this topic has been going on for several decades. We talk about it in this space.
Since the launch of Playboy magazine in the 50s, society has become increasingly tolerant of pornography. We can access this content immediately and from almost anywhere in the world. The audience in the sector has also increased; in fact, although men are the main consumers, women are on the rise.
Such a topical topic for our society it certainly cannot go unnoticed in the eyes of researchers. This is where the interest in the effects of pornography on the relationship arises. We analyze the results of the research carried out.
Cinematography will emphasize pornography. The sexual act will be the successful scene. Healthy art will decay.
-Benjamin Solari Parravicini-
Studies on the effects of pornography in the couple relationship
Sociologist Fagan (sf) states that men who use pornography may feel less satisfied with their relationship. Even emotionally, they may feel more distant from their partner.
In turn, women who become aware of their partner's consumption of pornographic material claim to feel betrayal, distrust and anger; at the same time, they begin to feel less attractive and sexually inadequate.
Mchee argues that pornography is good for relationships, especially from a sexual point of view, because it positively affects the individual's attitude towards sexuality and sexual exploration. That is to say that pornography can be included as an additional element in the couple's sexual life.
STUDIO 1
A research study conducted by Lambert et al (2012) reveals the paucity of data on the effects of pornography consumption on romantic relationships. The researchers therefore conducted an evaluation study on the effects of pornography on the couple relationship with particular reference to the commitment made.
The aim was to demonstrate the correlation between intense consumption of pornographic material and lack of commitment in the couple relationship. For this purpose, 367 individuals between 17 and 26 years old with a heterosexual romantic relationship were analyzed.
To determine their levels of pornography consumption, they were asked the following question: approximately how many times in the last 30 days have you visited a website with pornographic content? The results confirmed the starting hypothesis.
Pornography is the attempt to insult sex, to dirty it.
-David Herbert Lawrence-
STUDIO 2
A study conducted by Szymanski & Stewart-Richardson (2014) aimed to identify expectations derived from pornography consumption in a long-term relationship or marriage and gender differences.
The results indicate that women tend to consume pornography due to the possible addiction developed by the partner and the increasing number of couples following a path of psychotherapy due to the addiction to pornography.
The same authors concluded that avoiding such consumption protects the quality of the relationship; it is also a way to preserve love, commitment and respect for the relationship.
At the same time, Szymanski & Stewart-Richardson (2014) found that men attribute more positive qualities to pornography consumption, as they view it as a stimulus for sexual intercourse. Finally, they think it helps to learn new positions and techniques.
When it becomes an addiction ...
Some study participants saw pornography as a beneficial tool for a couple's relationship, alone or with a partner. Nonetheless, the conclusions indicate that those who use pornographic material in the company of their partner show greater attention to the relationship.
On the other hand, it is important to take into account the fact that in the most extreme cases or of addiction to pornography, there is a loss of interest or sexual desire towards the partner.
This happens because there is less reaction to normal sexual stimuli. This situation can cause erection problems, reaching orgasm or decreasing sexual intercourse with the partner.
Effects of pornography in the relationship: positive or negative?
Regarding the effects of pornography on the couple relationship, we can distinguish them into two groups. Sam Carr, a professor of sex education at the University of Bath, says it is all a matter of point of view.
- Negative opinions. They perceive pornography as a possible threat to the stability of the couple, as a cause of reduced sexual activity, less satisfying sexual relations and less commitment to the couple relationship, as well as infidelity (Bridges et al., 2003, cited by Lambert et al. ., 2012; Bergner, 2002, cited by Lamber et al., 2012; Fagan, sf).
- Positive opinions. Pornography could offer benefits to the relationship especially from the sexual point of view, because it represents a stimulus and an instructive means to learn positions and techniques to be put into practice in bed. Finally, it helps couples focus more on relationships (Szymanski & Stewart-Richardon, 2014)
I enjoy reading Braille pornography.
-Woody Allen-
Conclusions
The concept of sex and sexuality have evolved throughout history. Day by day the information and the presence of sexual elements in our daily life increase. This is reflected in the normalization of behaviors such as pornography consumption, which have spread to the social level.
Hence the idea that the couple consume pornographic material today is no longer frowned upon. The benefits and harms of this practice, however, depend on the use made of it, on the harmony with the partner, etc.
