While watching pornography or porn may not be an issue if viewed in moderation, here are 5 reasons why researchers don't recommend exposure to sexually explicit content on a regular basis
Excessive pornography can hamper mental health
A recent study conducted by researchers from a university in the American state of Ohio discovered that the mere idea of porn addiction can have adverse effects on a person's mental health. They found that those who believed they had an addiction to pornography also experienced psychological issues, like depression, anger, and anxiety. However, this was not a result of watching porn itself, but rather it was a result of the feeling that watching porn was becoming an uncontrollable habit. They feel that some people have no problem with the porn itself, but instead worry more about what will happen if they watch too much of it.
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It could force children into early sexual activity
For kids, one of the biggest mysteries is sex and early exposure to porn can lead them to have sex at an early age, an Australian researcher has found. Researchers at a non-profit organisation in Australia found that internet and social media have allowed unlimited access to content that may previously have been restricted by availability or adult control. This resulted in children as young as 14 both male and female being exposed to pornographic content, which may induce them to participate in unsafe sexual practices.
Regular porn viewing makes a person apathetic
Watching porn or visiting strip clubs frequently can affect people's attitude and beliefs towards the ills associated with human trafficking, reveals new research. According to a team from an American university, "viewing pornography, strip bar attendance and engaging in prostitution all contributed to a more laissez-faire [allow to do] attitude toward the practice of such 'human slavery.'"
Porn may cause the viewer to become sexually aggressive towards social issues
The analysis of 22 studies from seven different countries found that pornography consumption is associated with sexual aggression across the countries among both males and females. Associations were stronger for verbal than physical sexual aggression, although both were significant, the study said. The collected data looked at self-reports of pornography consumption and acts of sexual aggression, including sexual harassment and the use of force or threats to, as the study puts it, "obtain sex".
Teenagers may become motivated to share sexual selfies
Teenagers who watch porn and other explicit material on television may be at a risk of sharing sexual images of themselves on social media. A recent study found that watching sexual reality television stimulated adolescents aged 13-17 to produce and share sexual images of themselves on social media. Similarly, for both boys and girls, sexual self-presentation on social media led to more frequent watching of sexual reality TV.