These Facts About Porn Use Highlight How Church Can Help
By Movieguide® Contributor
Barna Research is debunking some popular myths about porn use.
About 70% of adults think that men are more likely to struggle with porn addiction than women, but pornography is not just a man’s fight. The number of porn-addicted women rises every year.
Now, 44% of women said they consume porn, compared to 39% in 2015, Barna revealed this month. Men reported using porn for anxiety, boredom and entertainment, while women reported they’re more likely to use it to get in the mood with a partner.
Another myth is that porn doesn’t affect sexual health or relationships. Contrary to what 67% of American adults believe, those who abstain from porn are happier and healthier. They show higher levels of believing life has a purpose, accomplishing goals and feeling prepared for everyday life. Porn users report higher negative well-being categories, particularly self-criticism, perfectionism, fear of failure, depression and anxiety.
Among those who’ve had a spouse who used porn, 44% of women reported feeling unattractive to their partner, and 38% experienced unrealistic expectations, decreased self-esteem and unhealthy comparisons. Only a small percentage of men reported feeling the same in these areas.
Research indicates porn addiction lowers sexual satisfaction, hinders communication, creates unrealistic sexual expectations, and contributes to negative body image. In relationships, it decreases trust, vulnerability, and emotional intimacy.
READ MORE: PORNOGRAPHY ADDICTION SURVIVOR FIGHTS FOR AGE VERIFICATION: ‘PORN PREYS’ ON KIDS’ MINDS
A BYU study recently examined 3,500 people to understand how porn affects relationships. It concluded that pornography use on any level, in any way, was detrimental to romantic relationships.
“As higher pornography use was reported, lower relationship stability was also reported by men and women,” said Dr. Brian Willoughby, BYU School of Family Life professor and study co-author. “I think we need to start having a better conversation about pornography use being a risk factor for relationships. Most couples are probably unaware that their pornography use may be creating risk or harm in their relationship.”
Another porn myth is the belief that viewing porn isn’t addictive, and someone can stop viewing it whenever they want. Research indicates this isn’t true, and those who view it frequently struggle to stop. Most of those who view porn frequently say that no one knows of their porn use, so no one is helping them stop. Those who do have someone keeping them accountable report lower usage rates and show improvement in overall well-being, sexual health and relationships.
Barna’s advice to the church is to provide support systems that address porn use among both men and women, offer accountability programs and train ministry leaders to have healthy conversations about porn and its impact.
READ MORE: HOW THE CHURCH SHOULD ADDRESS PORNOGRAPHY: COUNSEL, CONVERSATION, RESOURCES AND CARE
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