The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Porn consumption is linked to various negative effects, including poor self-image. It can easily foster feelings of inadequacy and resentment for men and women. Discover the link between porn and body image and some signs of negative self-perception to look out for.
- It Can Spark Criticism From Partners
Porn can affect how a person views their partner’s body. Those who view pornography could become more critical and cause the other person to think they aren’t good enough, making them want to try unhealthy habits to achieve their spouse’s standards. Porn can also create feelings of doubt and mistrust if watching it breaks an agreement or the watcher starts to isolate.
- It Can Lead to Eating Disorders and Mental Health Issues
Other studies found women whose male partners watch porn regularly are more likely to experience eating disorders. If you experience this, you might wonder if your partner compares you to the women on porn content. You may also eat very little on purpose because of fear of weight gain.
Poor body image can also lead to:
- Body dysmorphic disorder
- Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors like over-exercising
- Muscle dysmorphia
- It Can Trigger Negative Self-Perceptions
A 2020 study in the U.K. found that 29% of 11 to 17-year-olds who watch porn said they felt bad about their body after seeing people in pornographic material. Male adults who don’t fit the superficial standards of the industry can feel shame, insecurity and embarrassment about their overall physique, hair loss and penis size.
Aside from body image issues, porn can fuel the culture of toxic masculinity. Men may feel pressured to conform to rigid gender norms, such as hypermasculinity and aggression.
On the other hand, research found that women who consume pornography have lower body image, with some even considering cosmetic surgery. Nicki Briant — a gym manager and personal trainer — shared via BBC that pornography sparked the desire for cosmetic surgery, such as vaginal reconstruction.
She said it tarnished her body image and her expectations of sex. The same implications are present among homosexual men, who are at risk of unhappiness about their looks and depression.
How to Spot Signs of Negative Body Image
Do you think porn has affected your self-esteem? You may have a negative body image if you:
- Criticize your body or some body parts.
- Refuse to eat your favorite foods.
- Spend too much time in the mirror and seem unhappy about what you see.
- Talk a lot about dieting.
- Exercise obsessively to change your body.
- Compare yourself a lot to other people.
Help Is Available
If you’re concerned that you or a loved one is developing a negative body image due to porn, consult a mental health professional. It’s never too late to regain your love for your own body.
References:
- Pornography, Mass Media, and Male Body Image. Psychology Today. Published April 28, 2023. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/love-and-sex-in-the-digital-age/202304/pornography-mass-media-and-male-body-image
- Pornography, Negative Body Image, & Eating Disorders: The Connections. National Center on Sexual Exploitation. Published February 27, 2023. https://endsexualexploitation.org/articles/pornography-negative-body-image-eating-disorders-the-connections/
- 3 Ways a Porn Habit Can Harm Your Mental Health. Taylor Counseling Group. Published January 29, 2024. https://taylorcounselinggroup.com/blog/ways-porn-can-harm-your-mental-health/
- Porn effects: 'My expectations of sex and body image were warped.' BBC. Published October 24, 2020. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-54148734
- How to Spot Early Signs of Negative Body Image. The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Published September 21, 2022. https://www.ispcc.ie/early-signs-of-negative-body-image/
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