Porn’s pervasive presence in modern culture has introduced many challenges that are negatively affecting the intimacy and the emotional bond between partners. Many people in their relationships feel completely okay with their partner watching porn, and if that’s you, then that’s totally fine. However, a lot of other couples are not happy with their partner watching porn and often consider it cheating – which is just as reasonable. The concept of seeking someone or something out in a lustful manner and utilising that to bring yourself pleasure can evoke discomfort and be incredibly upsetting for the other party in the relationship.
Pornographic videos often portray exaggerated and unrealistic sexual scenarios, which reduce sex into a performance rather than an intimate connection between two people
One significant way that porn can impact relationships is by distorting people’s expectations surrounding sex. Pornographic videos often portray exaggerated and unrealistic sexual scenarios, which reduce sex into a performance rather than an intimate connection between two people. Nowadays, people are shunned for being “vanilla” and are often pushed into sexual acts which they are not comfortable with or can cause them physical harm, unfortunately normalising sexual violence against women. These pressures can lead to insecurity in relationships or dissatisfaction with sex that is completely valid and ordinary. Moreover, the objectification of people in porn, particularly women, can promote unhealthy attitudes in relationships, such as a focus on control and dominance.
Porn consumption can quickly become addictive as it’s so easily accessed through the internet. Social media platforms are flooded with lude, provocative content that somehow bypasses content regulations. Being constantly exposed to pornographic material can, over time, desensitise individuals, making sexual relationships less enjoyable. Someone who has to rely on porn for sexual satisfaction may also find it difficult to maintain interest in their partner, which can result in emotional distance and strain between both parties; this can sometimes lead to either infidelity or breakups.
Whilst porn may seem like a private indulgence with no outside effect, it often has impacts on sex and relationships, with not just romantic bonds but platonic friendships too. At the end of the day, the best thing you can do is try to communicate with your partner if you feel like there are any issues in your relationship and work on these things as a team.
