Pornography is just a click away in all its many splendored varieties. It’s easily accessible online, and so much available for free and every imaginable sexual taste and fantasies catered to and can be indulged in privately. Given that this is the case, what are the consequences for interpersonal relationships? The pervasive availability of porn on the internet confronts real-life interpersonal relationships with compelling alternatives.
Many experts view pornography as both potentially healthy and destructive to individuals and couples. Some of the negative perceived effects of pornography are unrealistic expectations, decreased sexual interest in one’s partner, increased insecurity about body image, as well as sexual performance and prowess. When use of pornography becomes persistent, it can lead to distress, with a person losing control of his or her ability to refrain from pornography, and may have a debilitating effect on their real-life relationship. Porn can lead to the person being less satisfied with real-life sex and this will definitely affect their relationship.
Porn is a fantasy world. People, especially teenagers who have not been sensitised to differentiate fact from fiction will have unrealistic expectations about sex. Young people need to have a sense of self-awareness so as to discern if they are engaging in any kind of sexual behaviour because they truly want to and not because they think they should because that is what perceive others are doing.
Most people who use porn do so in secret, with some people often conflicted and feeling guilt about their indulgence. Studies show that the deleterious effect is not so much the content itself, but the shame and secrecy that comes with it.
However, some argue there are positive effects of pornography such as improved sexual communication, more sexual experimentation, and enhanced sexual comfort. Porn can be a great tool when dealing with poor libido, with porn offering enhanced stimulation, and can be of use to couples dealing with this in their relationships.
Porn is not the real deal. It is important to be very wary about porn so as not to lose touch with the real word, and sexual connectivity and satisfaction in real-life. We should strive for a satisfying, mind blowing and incredible sex life with a partner in a committed relationship.