Pornography is like a drug—it’s not compatible with long-term relationships and can even alter your behavior. But don’t worry, I’m here to explain why.
A Brief History of Pornography
By definition, pornography is material designed to provoke sexual arousal. Its origins trace back to the Paleolithic era, over 30,000 years ago, with depictions considered erotic. Around 1150 BCE, the Erotic Papyrus of Turin emerged, often dubbed by historians as the first "men’s magazine." Artistic expressions in ancient Greece and Rome celebrated nudity and pleasure, while India gave us the Kamasutra in the 3rd century CE.
However, the intent of these works—whether satirical or educational—makes their classification as pornography debatable.
Over time, pornography evolved alongside technological advancements. Initially confined to the shadows of illegality, the invention of the printing press allowed erotic literature and images to circulate widely. By the mid-19th century, photography had turned porn into a lucrative business, with erotic photographs becoming a status symbol among wealthy men. Unfortunately, the models were often impoverished young women, many already involved in prostitution.
In 1896, just a year after the Lumière brothers invented cinema, the first erotic film was produced in France. The first recognized pornographic film, El Sartorio, was created in Argentina in 1907. Until the 1960s, pornography remained an elite, clandestine consumption.
The Rise of the Porn Industry
The sexual revolution of the 1960s in the United States ushered in a mass pornographic industry. Instead of breaking taboos surrounding pleasure, this movement pushed a single narrative of sexuality—one that catered almost exclusively to male desires, portraying women as objects of gratification. Porn became omnipresent, with magazine covers openly displaying objectified women, even in spaces accessible to children.
The advent of home video recorders brought pornography into households, and by the 1990s, the internet made it available in our pockets. Today, access to an endless universe of pornographic content is just a click away.
The Largest Audiovisual Industry in the World
The porn industry now generates over $100 billion annually, dwarfing Hollywood’s $26 billion revenue.
- 25% of global internet data traffic is pornographic.
- Every second, over 28,250 people are watching porn.
- The average age of first exposure is just 11 years old, and it’s decreasing yearly.
What Does Pornography Do to the Brain?
Excessive pornography consumption can alter brain structures and functions, leading to addictive behaviors.
Here’s why:
During sexual activity, dopamine—a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure—is naturally released. Watching pornography also releases dopamine but in excessive amounts, damaging the brain’s reward mechanisms. This overstimulation can make the brain crave more intense stimuli, creating dependency and reducing self-control.
Additionally, regular exposure desensitizes the brain, pushing viewers toward more extreme, violent, or abusive content. Research by Hilton and Watts shows that the brain areas activated by hard drugs are the same as those triggered by pornography consumption.
Impact on Relationships
Frequent pornography consumption can lead to:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Premature ejaculation
- Sexual desire limited to solo masturbation
- Distorted perceptions of reality
- Low self-esteem due to unrealistic body standards
- Increased anxiety and difficulty regulating emotions
In adolescents, it can impair cognitive performance, academic success, attention, memory, and sleep. Moreover, pornography is cited as a significant cause of divorce in the U.S.
The Content We Consume
Most mainstream pornography depicts:
- Misogyny and objectification: Women are hypersexualized, depicted as submissive, and reduced to objects for male pleasure.
- Violence and genital focus: Acts often exclude emotional or external stimulation, despite over 80% of women preferring external stimulation for pleasure.
- Infantilization of female bodies: Women with no pubic hair, small vulvas, and thin frames are the norm.
What Are the Alternatives?
Consider exploring other forms of stimulation, such as erotic literature, audio stories, shared fantasies with your partner, or sensory play. For more ideas, check out our posts on Instagram or browse our blog for inspiration.
The Challenge
The key is to educate children and adolescents about sexuality at home and in schools. By providing them with tools and awareness, we can help them navigate these materials critically. Campaigns to raise awareness of the negative effects of pornography on the brain and relationships are also essential.
Restricting access and creating healthier conversations around intimacy can help mitigate the impact of porn consumption. Together, we can build a culture that values connection and mutual respect over distorted fantasies.
What do you think? Have you experienced the impact of these topics firsthand? Let’s start a conversation below!