Introduction
Pornography has become easily accessible with the introduction of the Internet. Now, erotic content can be found with a single search, which definitely increases its use among people. Thus, it is important to observe its effects on society and analyze how the adverse effects may be addressed. Sometimes, the media portrays non-violent pornography as harmless due to its lack of representation of bad behavior. However, an article by Grubbs and Kraus (2021) states that it may still be detrimental to the psychological well-being of both sexes, as it promotes assertion, impedes healthy social functioning, and reinforces stereotypes.
Article Summary
The article uses a neutral approach to describe the effects of available pornography on the population. Grubbs and Kraus (2021) summarize similar studies and explore the phenomenon from sociological, psychological, and clinical perspectives. They conclude that excessive intake of pornographic content may lead to a lack of motivation to participate in romantic relationships, a distorted perception of the gender of interest, and addiction. These outcomes may noticeably decrease an individual’s quality of life and solidify unhealthy behaviors as habits.
Reflection
Addiction may be the root cause that leads to other adverse effects mentioned in the article. While Grubbs and Kraus (2021) admit that the definition of excess pornography use is questionable and does not have a specific classification, they claim that the problem exists. People who suffer from this form of addiction report not being able to control their impulses and mention problems when experiencing stress.
A great example that may illustrate this is the article by Mestre-Bach et al. (2020) that highlights the coping mechanism associated with pornography. COVID-19, being a stressful event, increased the popularity of pornographic sites, and respondents stated that this form of relief was preferable due to its safety, ease, and availability. At the same time, both Grubbs and Kraus (2021) and Mestre-Bach et al. (2020) share the participants’ concerns about being unable to limit themselves or choosing the least demanding option to get satisfaction. These problems are more common among men, with 11% reporting them (Grubbs & Kraus, 2021). As a result, the addictive nature of pornography causes other problems, like stress, internal moral dilemmas, and a lack of motivation.
Pornography addiction is especially dangerous during periods of formation. Grubbs and Kraus (2021) accent the adverse effects of using this type of content in adolescence, as it is believed to promote objectification, stricter views on gender roles, and increase the permission of casual sexual behavior. People who report an inability to control their impulses are less successful in relationships. This may result from their distorted view of their gender of interest and emotional instability associated with addiction.
Moreover, it is associated with a greater level of violent tendencies, even if the pornographic elements are non-violent. At the same time, the authors mention that the availability of these materials may be essential to guarantee a space for self-exploration, especially among sexual minorities. Thus, moderation is the deciding factor in balancing positive and negative effects.
Conclusion
In conclusion, even non-violent pornography may be dangerous for both genders. While men report pornographic addiction more often, making them the primary target of concern, women also experience problems associated with this content. It is important to remember that most of the issues indicated are connected to the excess consumption of mature materials, and introducing self-control mechanisms may be a solution to this problem. Therefore, spreading awareness about the possible outcomes of addiction is crucial to limit the harmful effects of pornography without banning the content itself.
References
Grubbs, J. B., & Kraus, S. W. (2021). Pornography use and psychological science: A call for consideration. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 30(1), 68–75.
Mestre-Bach, G., Blycker, G. R., & Potenza, M. N. (2020). Pornography use in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 9(2), 181–183.