The benefits and drawbacks of pornography

Internet pornography is a form of what scientists refer to as a “supernormal stimulus—that is, an artificial exaggeration of the environmental factors from which we have naturally evolved to become sexually aroused,” according to author and psychologist Professor Deirdre Barrett, who teaches at Harvard Business School. Put differently, watching pornography makes you feel more arouse than you could otherwise be able to while you’re in bed with your significant other. It’s undeniable that while practically everyone watches it, hardly many people really acknowledge to doing so—especially not their relationships. Therefore, why is it that couples are not allowed to discuss porn? Counselor Gouri Srivastava of a women’s college in Chennai said that men and women use and view porn differently, with males six times more likely than women to consume it. While most women consider porn as infidelity because it entails enjoyment from outside the partnership rather than from the relationship itself, men tend to view it as a harmless stimulant. However, is it incorrect to watch porn only for fun? We dissect the information.

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MEN

The advantages

It relieves tension.

Scientific research has demonstrated that having sex—whether by oneself or with a partner—increases the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that elevates mood. Because ejaculating reduces stress hormones, men who watch porn in moderation for sexual stimulation report feeling less stressed overall. Although watching porn might be a terrific way to unwind, a 2013 Carnegie Mellon study found that the same effects could be obtained from simply gazing at pictures of attractive and’sexy’ women. According to 31-year-old Bangalore-based music instructor Matthew Phillip*, pleasing images—whether they depict delicious food or beautiful scenery—can help people feel content and joyful. In a similar vein, pictures of attractive women—which are obviously intended to titillate—do improve my mood and reduce stress. I frequently find myself looking at these pictures online to decompress and let out my feelings,” he says.

enhances your sexual life

Finding out what makes you feel attracted to someone is a simple task when you watch porn. In order to spice up your sex lives, it also helps you go above and beyond with your partner by taking clues from what you observe. “Instead of trying it out on our own and failing miserably, we watched some porn together and figured out what kinks turned us on and what our common fantasies were,” Phillip says. “I wanted to find out what makes us tick in the bedroom.”

The drawbacks

Impotence

Pornography’s negative effects include erectile dysfunction, despite differing opinions on the subject. According to a portal, Dr. Jennifer Johnson, a professor in the sociology department of Virginia Commonwealth University’s College of Humanities and Sciences, states that among heterosexual men in their college years, 51% masturbate to pornography multiple times a week, 19% do so multiple times a month, and 13.5% do so daily. This implies that a person’s libido may decline when they find fantasy to be more arousing than reality. According to Srivastava, “it is no wonder that erectile dysfunction could be a byproduct of this syndrome, given the staggering numbers of men being aroused on a regular basis.” She goes on to say that those who use antibiotics or painkillers on a daily basis develop a tolerance to them, and that frequent arousal brought on by regular exposure to porn may likewise result in erectile dysfunction.

hostility

“There is no doubting that males may regard women in a sexually disparaging way as a result of pornography, even if the ethical porn movement is just getting started. If males are unable to control it, this may frequently go too far in the dark and violent direction. It can also negatively impact your sex life if you are unable to separate yourself from the inaccurate representation of women in porn, according to Srivastava. She even gave advice to a little child who had recently sustained wrist injuries. A pornographic film with a bondage theme got her boyfriend on, so he forced her to live out that desire. In exchange, he injured her by binding her wrists excessively tightly. Though they are both damaged from the encounter, she ended their relationship.

Women

The advantages

facilitates sexual expression

Pornography can benefit women in a number of ways. It affects their sex desire in addition to being liberated and an accessible release (this is also true for guys). According to Dr. Jagannathan, “watching pornography increases a woman’s libido and could prove useful for women with a low sex drive.” “Once you get past the initial squeamishness (if you’re hesitant or unused to it), watching porn and reading erotica definitely has a positive impact on your sex drive,” says 29-year-old freelance journalist and writer from Chennai, Maya Hari. It has not only given me a bit more self-assurance in the bedroom with my spouse, but I also feel like it has strengthened my capacity to be a little daring in bed and increased my awareness of what is possible and what gets me on.

strengthens the relationship

Watching adult video together might be a smart step in the right way if you want to improve your connection with your spouse in bed. According to Srivastava, sharing pornographic media with your significant other promotes open conversation and an honest bond. When males watch porn, they typically experience emotions of guilt or shame since it’s common for women to make them feel as though they’ve exceeded boundaries.

a moral stance. But watching porn may also be a bonding activity that strengthens a couple’s sexual, physical, and emotional bond since it allows them to express their most private, most intense dreams to one other in a way that is free from criticism, according to Dr. Jagannathan.

The drawbacks

body perception

Let’s face it, the majority of adult television and film stars have flawless features, physique, and are capable of in-the-bedroom stunts that would make acrobats blush. It’s preferable, though, to utilize the watching experience to improve your sexual life rather than to compare. Srivastava claims that women often feel inadequate when they make comparisons to porn stars. Recall that they are porn stars for a reason. Porn is only a stimulant to help you liven up between the sheets if you and your partner are sexually attracted to each other, not a barometer of what you believe your lover expects from you.

Dependency

According to recent data provided by Pornhub, internet pornography can be very addicting. India came in third place behind the UK and the USA in terms of free porn consumption last year. The average age of a porn user is 29, and women make up 30% of the market. Dr. Jagannathan states, “Pornography viewers are not always hooked. The only time it becomes an issue is when someone becomes dependent on porn and has withdrawals when it is taken away from them. As it turns into an obsession, individuals stop watching porn whenever they have the chance and begin obsessively making time for it, often skipping outings and other usual activities in the process. When this begins to occur, it is an indication of addictive behavior that requires expert counseling to address.

Women’s Pornography

Feminist porn, which was primarily produced for women to see, has, happily, been catching up. “Contrary to popular belief, porn preferred by women does not only involve images or videos of hot men,” asserts Dr. Santanam Jagannathan, a sexologist based in Chennai. Since it reminds them of their own sexual pleasure, women find other women to be sexually exciting. A lot of self-help and masturbation films are included in this, and the story also involves sex toys. Due in part to women’s propensity for imagination, role playing, theme-based films, and the like are rather common.