Breaking the Silence: Porn’s Growing Impact on Women

Written By Julie Hershey

From the desk of . . .

Libby Olson, Educator, SRAS

As we near the end of our curriculum, one topic we emphasize is the widespread issue of pornography. It’s no secret that pornography is a pervasive presence among teens, but many students still see it as primarily a male issue. Even in all-female classes, the consensus is that while some women watch porn, it is mainly something that men need to be concerned about. However, research indicates that this view is outdated—pornography consumption is rapidly growing among women as well.

The Rising Problem

Recent studies show that pornography consumption is on the rise across the board. For example, in 2019, Pornhub—one of the most popular pornography sites—received over 115 million visits per day. That equates to approximately 1,300 searches every second. This statistic only reflects visits to one website, not the numerous other platforms that exist.

Further research confirms that this trend is affecting both genders. A 2018 study revealed that 91% of men and 63% of women reported consuming pornography. More recently, Pornhub’s Year in Review revealed a 36% increase in female visitors between 2023 and 2024. These numbers indicate that women are becoming an increasingly significant part of the online pornography audience.

The Impact on Women

So, how does this rise in pornography consumption affect women? One of the most concerning trends is the increasing aggression in pornography, especially towards women. These aggressive depictions are not only consumed by men but by women as well. This shift in content raises important questions about how we view and treat women, and how pornography distorts our understanding of intimacy.

Pornography alters our perceptions of relationships and intimacy in harmful ways. As noted by Fight the New Drug, "Pornography can take our brains’ natural stimuli—our desire for intimacy and connection—and replace it with exaggerated, ‘supernormal’ versions of these desires. This distorts what we think is normal, makes real intimacy seem less interesting by comparison, and can even override our natural instincts."

The Deceptive Nature of Porn

There are absolutely no redeeming qualities of Pornography and there is no denying the harmful effects of it. It promotes a false sense of intimacy, tricking viewers into believing that what they see online is an accurate representation of real-life relationships. For years, pornography has been viewed primarily as a male problem, but this outdated view ignores the growing number of women—young and old—who are also struggling with its impact.

Conclusion

Pornography is not just a male problem; it’s a societal problem that affects people of all genders. The rise of female viewers, the aggressive nature of modern pornography, and the deep psychological impact it has on our brains call for a serious conversation. By recognizing the issue and understanding its effects, we can begin to support those who struggle with it and take steps toward healthier, more authentic relationships.

References:

Julie Hershey
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