What does pornography have to do with mental health?
Pornography use has been linked to significant neurological and interpersonal impacts. Excessive pornography use or masturbation may lead to an addiction or may be a sign of an underlying mental health condition such as:
Myths About Pornography and Masturbation
Common myths about pornography and masturbation include:
It's only a "male" problem. One study found that 76% of women between the ages of 18-30 engage with pornographic material. Though more men than women typically view pornography, it is also extremely common for women to engage with pornography and/or masturbation. However, due to social stigma, women may be less comfortable sharing this.
Pornography is a good thing. Some studies have shown it to be linked with positive effects of pornography, such as open-mindedness and increased communication with your partner regarding sex. However, it has also been shown to have far more negative effects than positive ones. These negative effects include damage to interpersonal relationships, sexual dysfunction, addiction, depression, and more.
It doesn't matter whether I choose to use pornography. Pornography has significant effects not only on individuals who choose to engage but on society as a whole. The pornography industry is linked to human trafficking and child sex abuse.