Pornography is a rather controversial issue and the scholars will hardly ever agree on the effect it has on those who get access to it. The article under analysis deals directly with the issue of pornography. Additionally, it considers the sex-seeking behaviors of males and females, as well as their attitudes towards pornography as such. At this, the author stresses that “gender differences have been found related to both the amount and type of sex-seeking behaviors in which men and women engage” (Albright, 2008, p. 175). Though the article is more focused on seeking partners (sexual as well) online, it still pays much attention to the issue of pornography. Pornography has certain results on its viewers leading to lowered self-esteem in case with women and becoming more critical of the partner’s body in case with men; besides, the pornography has an effect on people’s intimate relationships serving as a means of refreshing relationships for married couples and decreasing the interest in actual sex for singles.
To begin with, women suffer from the effect that the pornography has on the men’s perception of the female body. Taking into account the current situation in the fashion industry and different beauty standards, more and more women suffer from low self-esteem even without pornography. However, when they watch video with the participation of women who have perfect bodies, their body image gets even more lowered. Besides, they face another problem; those of them who have partners often live under the “pressure to perform acts seen in pornographic films” (Albright, 2008, p. 175). In addition, women who view pornography, as a rule, have less actual sex. Therefore, the effects that pornography has on women are mostly negative.
As far as men are concerned, the effect produced on them is also negative, though it is more related to their perception of women, rather than themselves. In the study presented in the majority of men have reported that the pornography “made them more critical of their partner’s body” (Albright, 2008, p. 183). Just like in case with women, men who view pornography tend to lose interest in actual sex. Albright (2008) notices certain symmetry in the effect of pornography on males and females: “Women are more likely to report being negatively judged and having less sex; men are more likely to report making negative judgments of their partners and losing interest in sex” (p. 183). Thus, the effect of pornography on men is not as negative as that on women.
Finally, intimate relations of married couples and single people are affected differently by pornography. As mentioned earlier, the singles who view pornography rarely have an interest in actual sex. Married couples, however, use pornography “as a way to bring renewed passion to these relationships where boredom may be an issue” (Alnright, 2008, p. 176). This is the main reason why pornography is used in sex therapy, as well as in increasing malaise among men who have difficulties with sexual relationships because of their consumption of pornography.
In conclusion, pornography has different effects on men and men, as well as on married couples and their intimate relationships. In general, the consequences of viewing pornography can hardly be positive for single people (women acquire lowered body image and men become too critical of their partner’s body), while, in the case of married couples, pornography may be used as a tool to improve intimate relationships.
Reference
Albright, J.M. (2008). Sex in America Online: An Exploration of Sex, Marital Status, and Sexual Identity in Internet Sex Seeking and Its Impacts. Journal of Sex Research, 45(2), 175-186.