The use of pornography in the developed world, primarily Europe and America proves to be common and the Internet provides a unique avenue for a vast quantity and extremely wide range of free pornographic material easily accessible anonymously at any time or place. The anonymity and accessibility of Internet pornography may encourage individuals to engage and explore pornography, who may otherwise not have gone to an adult bookstore or rented an adult video in person. The Internet has also provided the opportunity for people with rare sexual interests to find community groups to discuss and inquire more information regarding their atypical sexual desires as reported by Binik. A social psychological view of Internet porn from Fisher and Barack suggests that the behaviors may be enhanced for those already drawn to antisocial sexual behaviors as in paraphilias. It is also suggested that individuals may lose awareness of the reality of enactment of antisocial sexual behavior as they have access to such material on the Internet. Doring discusses a theory attempting to describe the drive for the use of Internet pornography called Triple A Engine. This theory uses three characteristics of online pornography as appealing factors for its use: anonymity, affordability, and accessibility.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Current and Relevant Statistics
- A Contextual View
- Effects of Using Internet Pornography
- Treatment Approaches
Objectives and Key Themes
This text aims to explore the impact of internet pornography on human sexuality, examining both its positive and negative consequences. It analyzes various studies and theories to understand the motivations behind pornography consumption, its effects on relationships and sexual attitudes, and potential treatment approaches for problematic use.
- The prevalence and accessibility of internet pornography
- Motivations for internet pornography use and its correlation with psychological factors
- The impact of internet pornography on relationships and sexual attitudes
- The potential positive and negative consequences of internet pornography consumption
- Treatment approaches for problematic internet pornography use
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by highlighting the widespread availability and accessibility of internet pornography, particularly in developed countries. It introduces the concept of anonymity and accessibility as key factors influencing its use, citing studies that explore how the internet facilitates engagement with pornography for individuals who might not otherwise seek it out. The chapter also previews several theories that attempt to explain the driving forces behind internet pornography consumption, including the "Triple A Engine" theory, which focuses on anonymity, affordability, and accessibility.
Current and Relevant Statistics: This section presents statistical data on internet pornography usage, drawing on various studies to illustrate its prevalence across different demographics. The data reveals significant differences in usage rates between men and women, with men showing considerably higher rates of consumption. The chapter also touches upon the underreporting of pornography use among women and explores the frequency of use among various sexual orientations. Furthermore, it notes that while internet pornography is used by a significant portion of the population, other forms of pornography remain relevant. The information presented highlights the scale and scope of internet pornography consumption, providing a quantitative understanding of the phenomenon.
A Contextual View: This chapter delves into the motivations behind internet pornography use, identifying mood management, fantasy, relationship issues, and habitual use as four key factors. The chapter highlights a significant difference in motivation levels between males and females, with males demonstrating stronger drives across all four categories. It also explores the correlation between erotophilic tendencies and motivation for pornography use, suggesting that individuals with higher erotophilic tendencies are more inclined to use it for various reasons. The chapter also discusses how social anxiety can contribute to the use of pornography as a means of fulfilling social and sexual needs. Further, the chapter introduces the concept of sexual scripts and their impact on sexual behavior, demonstrating how exposure to sexual media shapes individual scripts which can subsequently affect sexual behaviors and choices.
Effects of Using Internet Pornography: This chapter explores the diverse consequences—both positive and negative—of internet pornography consumption. The text acknowledges the potential for positive effects, such as increased pleasure, self-acceptance, and challenging traditional gender roles. However, it emphasizes the significant risks associated with excessive or problematic use, such as the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, development of sexual disorders, and relationship problems. The chapter also highlights the potential for compulsive use, negative role modeling, and involvement in illegal activities like child pornography. Furthermore, it discusses subtler negative consequences, such as the perpetuation of sexist portrayals of women and the promotion of unrealistic body images and sexual performance expectations.
Keywords
Internet pornography, human sexuality, sexual behavior, relationships, addiction, mental health, sexual attitudes, sexual scripts, treatment approaches, social context, accessibility, anonymity, prevalence, positive and negative consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions about Internet Pornography: A Comprehensive Overview
What is the purpose of this text?
This text aims to comprehensively explore the impact of internet pornography on human sexuality, examining both its positive and negative consequences. It analyzes various studies and theories to understand the motivations behind pornography consumption, its effects on relationships and sexual attitudes, and potential treatment approaches for problematic use.
What topics are covered in this text?
The text covers a wide range of topics, including the prevalence and accessibility of internet pornography, motivations for its use (linking psychological factors), its impact on relationships and sexual attitudes, potential positive and negative consequences of consumption, and treatment approaches for problematic use. It also delves into the contextual factors influencing usage, such as social anxiety and sexual scripts.
What key themes are explored?
Key themes include the accessibility and anonymity of internet pornography, the diverse motivations for its use (including mood management, fantasy, and relationship issues), the correlation between pornography use and psychological factors, the significant impact on relationships and sexual attitudes, and the potential for both positive and negative consequences. The role of sexual scripts and their influence on behavior is also a prominent theme.
What statistics are presented?
The text presents statistical data on internet pornography usage, illustrating its prevalence across different demographics. It highlights significant differences in usage rates between men and women, addresses underreporting among women, and explores usage frequency among various sexual orientations. The data emphasizes the scale and scope of internet pornography consumption.
What are the motivations behind internet pornography use?
The text identifies mood management, fantasy, relationship issues, and habitual use as four key factors motivating internet pornography consumption. It highlights differences in motivation levels between genders and explores the correlation between erotophilic tendencies and pornography use. Social anxiety and the fulfillment of social and sexual needs are also discussed as contributing factors.
What are the potential positive and negative consequences of internet pornography use?
The text acknowledges potential positive effects, such as increased pleasure and self-acceptance. However, it emphasizes significant risks associated with excessive or problematic use, including the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, development of sexual disorders, relationship problems, compulsive use, negative role modeling, and involvement in illegal activities. Subtle negative consequences like the perpetuation of sexist portrayals and unrealistic body image expectations are also addressed.
What treatment approaches are discussed?
While specific treatment approaches aren't detailed extensively, the text mentions that treatment approaches for problematic internet pornography use are a key area of focus and are discussed within the broader context of understanding and addressing the issue.
What are the key chapters and their summaries?
The text includes chapters on the Introduction (highlighting accessibility and anonymity), Current and Relevant Statistics (presenting usage data), A Contextual View (exploring motivations), Effects of Using Internet Pornography (examining both positive and negative consequences), and Treatment Approaches (briefly outlined).
What are the keywords associated with this text?
Key words include internet pornography, human sexuality, sexual behavior, relationships, addiction, mental health, sexual attitudes, sexual scripts, treatment approaches, social context, accessibility, anonymity, prevalence, and positive and negative consequences.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Patrick Kimuyu (Autor:in), 2018, Internet Pornography and Its Impact on Human Sexuality, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/412257
