Watching pornography (porn) has become an increasingly common phenomenon that occurs at a progressively younger age, given the availability, anonymity, and accessibility of porn on the internet. Viewing pornography is common and normal, even though some individuals may feel concerned about the frequency at which they watch porn.
While many researchers have explored and debated the potential effects of watching pornography, few have investigated the reasons why people choose to watch it.
One study delved into the main reasons why individuals may choose to watch porn by using an open-ended questionnaire with the single question: “Why do you watch pornography?”
The 276 undergraduate students who participated in this study were encouraged to think of their personal reasons for watching porn, and not to speculate as to why others may watch it. Then, they were asked to list their three most important reasons for watching porn. The results could be divided into four overarching themes.
- Sex drive: Many of the people interviewed shared that they watch porn because of their sex drive and/or their interest in sex. Some reasons for watching porn that fell into this category were: “for the pleasure of watching videos that include my kinks and fetishes,” “to have visual content during masturbation,” “for physical pleasure,” and “because I like them.” The researchers considered this reason for watching pornography to be a reflection of a “short-term mating orientation” that could promote a high sex drive, combined with the relative ease of using porn versus finding sexual partners. A short-term mating orientation could be evolutionarily advantageous because short-term mating may increase the possibility of one’s genes being passed on to the next generation. Therefore, it follows that people may instinctively gravitate toward this mindset but use porn as a substitute when they cannot engage in casual sex (or choose not to engage in casual sex).
- Enhancing sexual performance: Another popular reason for watching porn is to enhance one’s sexual performance. People explained that they watch porn “to gain experience,” “to learn some techniques to apply in real life,” “to learn new sex positions,” and “for understanding the sexual pleasures of people of the opposite sex.” Again, this line of reasoning could be associated with an evolutionary trait – increasing one’s fitness. By working on enhancing one’s sexual performance, a person could (in theory) increase their chances of attracting a mate and being able to reproduce.
- Social and instrumental reasons: Social pressures also appear to influence people when it comes to watching porn. Several of the participants shared that they watch porn “because all my friends are watching” or “because they appear in a series I am watching.”
- Lack of relational and social skills: Lastly, many of the individuals interviewed said that they watched porn to help them alleviate negative feelings or cope with loneliness. They shared that they watch porn “because of loneliness,” “due to the absence of a romantic relationship,” “due to the need for love,” “to calm down,” and “to drive away negative thoughts.” These reasons for watching porn indicate its use as a coping mechanism to deal with difficult emotions such as loneliness and sadness.
Although there may be more reasons for watching porn, these four categories encompass a broad range of human motivations at play behind engaging in this activity.
For more information on this topic, please read these publications from The Journal of Sexual Medicine:
High-Frequency Pornography Use May Not Always Be Problematic
Application of Sex Aids in Men With Sexual Dysfunction: A Review
References:
Burtăverde, V., Jonason, P.K., Giosan, C., & Ene, C. (2021). Why do people watch porn? An evolutionary perspective on the reasons for pornography consumption. Evolutionary Psychology, 19(2), 14747049211028798.
You may also be interested in...
Other Popular Articles
What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?
The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.
What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?
Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.
What Is the Average Penis Size?
If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.
What Is Edging and Why Do People Do It?
Edging is the practice of stopping sexual stimulation before reaching orgasm to prolong a sexual experience. The term stems from the concept of approaching the metaphorical “edge” of orgasm but stopping before going over the edge.
Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?
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.
Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.
The Sex-Positivity Movement: What it Means to Be Sex-Positive
You may have heard references to “being sex-positive” or “the sex-positivity movement” in popular culture. Various celebrities have brought attention to this movement by speaking out about their beliefs and personal experiences regarding sexuality, sexual health, body positivity, “slut-shaming,” and sexual assault.
