The Truth About “Porn Addiction” and the Sexual Guilt Industry

November 22, 2023 | By Marty Hart

Fast Facts:

♡ Over 35% of all internet downloads are pornographic.
♡ Approximately 1 million people worldwide watch online pornography every minute.
♡ 91.5% of men and 60.2% of women between aged 18-73 in the U.S. consume pornographic videos.
♡ Women comprise 20-50% of the total porn audience globally, depending on region (52% for the Philippines).
♡ 31% of women watch porn every week or so, according to a survey by Marie Claire.
♡ 45% of women reported watching porn with their partners, as per a University of Denver study.
♡ 90% of teenagers and young adults are accepting or neutral about porn, with only a minority viewing it as wrong.
♡ Teenagers and young adults consider stealing, lying, not recycling, and being envious to be more immoral than viewing porn.
♡ “Porn Addiction” treatments are pseudoscience and the medicalization of porn is largely funded by religious institutions.
♡ Atheists and those with more flexible spiritual beliefs were much less likely to report problems with their own porn use.
♡ Porn viewing may reduce risky sexual behavior and sexual assault rates.
♡ Sexologists encourage ethical porn, with a female/feminist perspective, featuring diverse bodies, queer inclusivity, consent, and pleasure from filmmakers like Erika Lust, PinkTV, and Bellesa.


An epidemic of sexual shame is gripping a generation of people who are grappling with their sexual desires and interests in a society that does not prepare them adequately for the real world. Sexual education in the United States and elsewhere has been predominantly shaped and influenced by moral and religious forces. Overtly religious abstinence-only education emphasizes choosing to be nonsexual as the safest option, while purity movements infused sexual education with a belief that our sexual urges were immoral (and therefore, unnatural, wrong, or shameful). These movements have left many people experiencing confusion and shame on account of their own natural sexual urges. The ambiguity of sexual constrictions in the purity movement has left many feeling ashamed of even regular and healthy sexual urges, leaving them confused and feeling like they must reject them altogether. Many of these people are turning to therapists to help them deal with this shame and pain, which frequently results in feelings of self-hatred and sexual dysfunction. Unfortunately, when people within religious communities seek help for their sexual concerns, they are sent to pseudo-scientific treatments such as “sex or porn addiction” programs, where their sexual desires are portrayed as forms of mental illness. Shame can create a feedback loop of pain, fear, dysfunction, and self-hatred, which is the true root cause of most sexual problems.

Abrahamic Religions the Primary Culprit of Sexual Repression and Guilt

Sexuality is often viewed as something that should be strictly regulated and controlled within Abrahamic religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Religious ideals tend to prioritize heterosexuality and condemn non-marital, non-procreative, and LGBTQ+ sexual activities. While these religions have some divergent views on sexual morality, they generally share a belief in the “sanctity of marriage” and restrict sexual activities to monogamous relationships between heterosexual, cisgender partners. Despite growing calls for greater societal acceptance and inclusion of diverse sexual identities and orientations, Abrahamic religious ideals and philosophy still influence societal norms, customs, laws, and stigmas, effectively sabotaging and constantly derailing discussions about sex-positivity and making it difficult to lift the taboos around sexuality between consenting partners. The influence can be seen in laws regulating sexual activities, such as anti-sodomy laws and the criminalization of homosexuality, as well as taboos around masturbation, sex education, and non-marital sex. While opinions and stigmas surrounding sexuality have evolved, religious influence still plays a significant role in how many people feel about sex, creating generations of confused and depressed individuals.

Additionally, narratives from religious institutions and conservative groups often portray the adult entertainment industry as a hotbed of human trafficking and sexual abuse. However, recent research has shown that these claims are not only overblown, but mostly false. In fact, it is a common assumption that porn actresses must have been victims of sexual trauma, but this is not the case for most women in the industry. While some former porn actresses have reported incidents of sexual abuse, most have not. Nevertheless, the nature of the porn industry makes it difficult for researchers to study porn actresses as a group. Porn producers rarely allow researchers onto their sets, and off-camera, professional porn actresses are difficult to survey due to said taboos. Despite these challenges, the survey found that porn actresses are not psychologically impaired and are more similar to their non-porn counterparts than previously thought. They display greater mental health, higher self-esteem, and more positive feelings about their lives, as well as a greater degree of sexual satisfaction. Therefore, the assumption that women in the porn industry are all victims of trauma is unfounded. It is time to shed the stigma surrounding the adult entertainment industry and acknowledge that porn actresses (and actors, set designers, fashion designers and producers) are just people too. Those who condemn adult entertainment may dismiss this survey, but it provides valuable insights into the lives and experiences of porn actresses and the industry.

“Porn Addiction” — Pop Psychology Profiteering?

While some individuals may struggle with problematic porn viewing habits, the available data makes it clear that “porn addiction” treatment organizations (most of them funded by religious institutions) are fabricating or overemphasizing the issue. The idea of “porn addiction” tends to be driven more by moral soapboxing than scientific facts, with conflicts over one’s personal values rather than pornography use itself being the driving factor behind the dissatisfaction. While there is a small percentage of individuals who report problematic viewing habits, it is essential to explore more nuanced cultural implications of pornography rather than to rely on “porn addiction” treatment. The critiques of the “porn addiction” industry are not necessarily new, and these critics have long maintained that the sexual addiction model is a bogus pop psychology invention, while other scholars have found that porn viewing may also reduce risky sexual behavior and sexual assault rates!

“The rationalization goes something like this: I believe sex is only sanctioned within a committed relationship. Therefore, other sexual behaviors, such as casual sex, watching porn, or even feelings of sexual attraction for people other than my partner, are morally wrong. However, I’m a moral person, and those strong urges to watch porn are caused by addiction—a psychological disorder. With help, I can overcome this disorder.”

Ludden PhD, David, (2022, July 1) The Trouble With Porn “Addiction” The urge may be natural. The guilt may not be. Psychology Today

While the concept of “porn addiction” is still appealing to the general public, most professionals do not even believe that problematic porn use fits the symptomatology of a substance addiction. It is actually a way of reconciling one’s porn use with one’s moral beliefs, as it helps people rationalize their “sinful” behavior. But this is simply reinforcing unhealthy beliefs about oneself and propagating sexual stereotypes and taboos. And by medicalizing porn use, it gives individuals the opportunity to ignore their responsibilities for their behavior fully. Thus, the goal of treatment for perceived “porn addiction” should not only be to help clients stop watching porn, but also to get them to understand that their sexual urges are a sort of mental disorder, but that with therapy, they can gain control over them. As sexual negativity is often foisted upon society, the real problem is not porn itself, but the societal—and hypocritical—attitudes towards sex. Once people realize that sexual urges are natural, they can choose for themselves how to act upon them to be happy and satisfied rather than guilty and frustrated. Through this, individuals can understand that the feelings of shame surrounding their sexual desires are often the result of the restrictive sexual attitudes that were instilled in them at a young age. Understanding that masturbation and adult entertainment are not dangerous or unhealthy activities can help free an individual from the shame and allow them to develop a healthy sex life.

“Over recent years, I’ve seen many vulnerable people call themselves a porn addict, with much shame and fear, despite using less porn than many other people.”

Ley, D. J. (2015, September 15). Women who stray. Pornography. Your belief in porn addiction makes things worse. Psychology Today.

According to research by Joshua Grubbs of Case Western, published in 2015, believing oneself to be “addicted” to porn is caused by moral attitudes and religious beliefs rather than the extent of porn viewed. Grubbs’ study shows that identifying oneself as a “porn addict” promotes psychological problems and pain rather than aiding recovery, meaning widespread promotion of the idea is potentially damaging. Harming people through the iatrogenic “porn addiction” treatment model under the guise of providing treatment and support only serves the interests of treatment providers and those who fear or wish to control the sexuality of others. Instead, it is creating more harm than good for those whom it claims to help. A follow-up study reproducing Grubbs’ results found that religious individuals were far more likely to report feeling “addicted” to porn while atheists and those with lower or flexible spiritual beliefs were much less likely to report problems with their own porn use. It was belief in the Judeo-Christian God, not just participation in church, that was most predictive of a person feeling addicted to porn.

A Very Brief History of “Pornography“

Pornography (and human sexuality) was not always taboo, with a long history of having existed in various forms throughout time. The origins of the word “pornography” itself can be traced back to ancient societies such as Greece and Rome. Interestingly, the line between erotic and religious imagery may also be more blurred than we think. In the early days of pornography, there was no clear definition as there was an overlapping distinction between erotic and religious images. Sexual activities have been frankly described in religious texts in ancient societies, like Greece and Rome, but today, pornographic content is characterized by sexually-inciting images or film. Understanding these origins of pornography helps in understanding various perspectives on the morality and ethics of pornography throughout history. In addition to pornography, sex toys have existed from time immemorial, with steam-powered vibrators, bronze strap-on dildos, jade butt plugs, and the oldest-known dildo dated to about 28,000 years ago.

Statistics and Demographics Reveal Cognitive Dissonance Between Beliefs and Behaviors

The ubiquity of pornography in the US is evident from the data. Perhaps a more realistic survey question would be “do you watch porn/do you have access to the internet?” A large proportion of internet downloads (35%) is dedicated to pornography, and over 40 million American adults are believed to visit pornographic websites on a regular basis. Despite the existence of over 100 large-scale pornographic sites in the United States, societal stigmas still abound concerning pornography. The cognitive dissonance between porn use and social stigmas becomes almost alarming in view of the fact that almost all men (91.5%) and well more than half of women (60.2%) in the United States consume pornographic videos! It is possible that many people feel ashamed of their porn consumption, perhaps due to the stigma and taboo surrounding the industry, which can be seen in some aspects of American society. With a significant percentage of Americans regularly watching pornography, it may be time for society to move beyond outdated stigmas.

And for porn statistics in the rest of the world, approximately 1 million people are watching online pornography every minute globally, according to estimates based on Pornhub’s reported average site visit duration and Ahrefs data revealing 4.7 billion monthly organic search visits to the top three adult sites in the world. (For reference, the world’s population is about 8 billion.) The top three adult sites receive approximately 870 million monthly organic search visits from the U.S. alone. Additionally, 195,348 visitors are watching online pornography every minute in the U.S., 40,857 visitors in the U.K, and 16,670 visitors in Canada. These traffic numbers involve only organic searches and the real numbers are likely larger when direct and referral traffic are added.

Research suggests that people’s sexual desires and fetishes remain relatively consistent over time, but their preferences may evolve. However, the trend in pornography searches shows a rise in interest in certain categories, such as “lesbian” and “MILF” (typically “mature” women, at least over 30 years old) videos, which may suggest a shift in societal attitudes towards these topics. Other popular categories include “threesome,” “creampie,” “transgender,” “man-on-man,” and “BDSM.” This is evidenced by Pornhub’s “Top 10 Most Popular Porn Categories in the Last 10 Years.” These statistics suggest that people are more open to exploring different types of sex and sexuality than ever before, even if they’re afraid to admit it openly.

Surprising Statistics About Women and Porn Consumption

Pornography has long been viewed as a pastime primarily enjoyed by men. However, data from various sources indicates that women are also active participants in consuming porn. According to a survey by Marie Claire, 31% of women watch porn every week or so, while 76% say that it has not negatively affected their lives. The study also found that watching porn is linked to higher self-competence, sexual function, and improved partner satisfaction in women. These results reinforce the idea that sexual pleasure is a fundamental human need that transcends gender and cultural boundaries. And despite taboos and cultural barriers surrounding female sexuality, women are actively taking their sexual pleasure into their hands, and porn is playing a role in this trend.

According to sexologists, women who watch pornography can be grouped into four categories: (1) Those who watch pornography in order to satiate their curiosity about sexual techniques; (2) the second group experiences sexual desire akin to that of men and, like most men who are connected to the internet, use pornography as a visual aid during masturbation; (3) the third group prefers to watch feminist pornograpy for empowerment; and (4) to enhance their sexual activity with their partners. Also based on available statistics on search terms, women are more interested in “pussy licking,” “solo female,” “lesbian,” “popular with women,” and “romantic” pornography. This suggests that women may be suppressing their feelings due to societal norms that encourage them to conform to traditional, obsolete gender roles. And the fact that women are more likely to search for lesbian pornography may suggest that they are more willing to explore their sexuality outside of traditional gender roles within relationships. All of this data also comports with other studies suggesting women are also more fluid in their sexuality than men, including the fact that more than 60% of women admit to finding other women sexually attractive and over 50% confessing to occasionally having sexual fantasies about other women.

More Women Involved in Consuming Porn Than Previously Estimated

Moreover, the lack of research on women’s relationship with pornography is now starting to be addressed, and recent studies have begun to shed light on the subject. For instance, a study by Pornhub found that 52% of its visitors from the Philippines are women, the highest percentage of female porn viewers globally. Other surveys indicate that women account for at least 25% of the total porn audience. This data accurately represents the reality that women are more active in consuming porn than previously estimated. One difficulty in obtaining accurate data is that many studies are paid for by religious organizations who tend to report lower prevalence than porn sites. In any case, the data ranges from 20-50%, indicating that women still make up a significant portion of the porn audience. According to YouPorn’s survey, Spain and Poland have female visitors comprising 38% and 32% of Pornhub, respectively. This different data points shatter the myth that porn is a male-centric hobby.

Studies also reveal that women differ in their comfort levels and preferences regarding their partners’ use of pornography in their relationship. Some women find it arousing to watch porn with their partners, which could help improve their sexual activities by providing inspiration and different ideas. On the other hand, some women feel their partner has a right to view porn and are fine with their viewing habits. On the other hand, couples who are generally sex-positive, more accepting of pornography, and have a secure attachment to one another may also find viewing pornography to be a pleasurable and beneficial component of their sexual experiences. A study conducted by the University of Denver, which surveyed 1,291 couples, provides supporting evidence regarding female consumption of pornography. Of the women surveyed, 45 percent reported watching porn with their partners, while 30 percent reported watching it alone.

Does Viewing Porn Count as Cheating?

As our lives and relationships increasingly move into the digital arena, the boundaries of sexual fidelity and cheating have become less clear. While many partners view it as a harmless and separate form of entertainment, others may feel hurt and betrayed. However, studies have shown that the negative effects of sexual behavior outside of a supposedly monogamous relationship, whether online or in-person, can be felt by the betrayed partner in the same way and can cause emotional pain and loss of trust. Thus, it is important to have open and honest communication with your partner about your boundaries and expectations when it comes to virtual or in-person sexual behavior to ensure a healthy and fulfilling relationship for all involved.

"Infidelity (cheating) is the breaking of trust that occurs when you keep intimate, meaningful secrets from your primary romantic partner."

Weiss, R. (2020, February 25). Pornography: Does Watching Porn Count As Cheating? [Blog post]. Love and Sex in the Digital Age.

The study confirms that it’s not the specific sexual act that causes the most damage to a relationship but the emotional distancing, betrayal, and loss of trust. Therefore, Dr. Weiss suggests a flexible definition of infidelity (cheating) that focuses on the breaking of trust that occurs when any intimate, meaningful secrets are kept from a primary romantic partner. This definition encompasses both online and real-world sexual behavior and allows couples to define their personal version of sexual fidelity based on open discussions and mutual decision making. Ultimately, cheating is less about the sexual behavior and more about telling lies, keeping secrets, and breaking relationship trust. If one partner’s sexual behavior is agreed upon and not kept secret, it does not count as cheating.

Adult Entertainment for Exploring Sexuality as Individuals and with Romantic Partners

Pornography often sparks strong opinions, with some demonizing it and others idolizing it. However, rather than viewing it as a threat to committed relationships, we should recognize that porn is simply erotic material created for entertainment purposes. In the United States, where sexual education is often inadequate, many young people turn to porn to learn about sex. While it is crucial to address the misinformation and skewed ideas that can arise from relying solely on porn for sex education, experts suggest embracing porn as an erotic tool within relationships.

“Using pornography together with a partner can encourage sexual communication and sexual experimentation, which can help people learn about each other’s sexual likes and dislikes and may bring people closer together,” Travers, M. (2022, July 18). 3 Psychological Reasons Why You Need To Understand Your Relationship With Porn. Forbes. “There is good porn out there. Ethical porn. Porn made through a female or feminist lens, with real bodies, queer-inclusiveness, lots of pleasure, and an emphasis on consent. Check out filmmakers like Erika Lust, PinkTV, and Bellesa for high-quality porn. Yes, they are behind a paywall. Yes, you should be paying for porn.”

Engle, G. (2020, July 14). Why Porn Can Actually Be Healthy for Relationships. TheBody.com.

When it comes to incorporating pornography into a relationship, sexologist Gigi Engle says it’s important to find something that appeals to all parties involved, and this can be difficult for cisgender women in particular, as a lot of mainstream pornography caters to the male gaze and may not be as enjoyable or empowering for them. According to sex coach and clinical sexologist Kristine D’Angelo, exploring feminist or female-gazed porn can lead to a more enjoyable experience for both partners. Unfortunately, many of us are only familiar with the free porn sites we see prominently advertised, like PornHub. Mature and responsible use of porn can increase sexual excitement and function, introducing variety and helping to break sexual routines. By exploring ethical and feminist pornography, such as the works of filmmakers like Erika Lust and websites like Bellesa, individuals can discover high-quality porn that aligns with their values and interests. Openly discussing and incorporating porn into relationships can enhance understanding, exploration, and sexual satisfaction both individually and as a couple, ultimately fostering a healthier and more enjoyable sexual experience.

It’s time to shed the negativity surrounding sexuality and embrace our natural desires and preferences. Sexual shame can create a feedback loop of pain, fear, dysfunction, and self-hatred, but it is not who we are. Sexuality is not something that can be easily regulated and controlled in people, and attempts to do so have greatly impacted the way we view sex in our modern society. Moreover, sexual repression and guilt have been most entrenched within the Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam that prioritize heterosexuality and condemn non-marital, non-procreative, and LGBTQ+ sexual activities. These beliefs have led to societal norms, customs, laws, and stigmas, effectively sabotaging and constantly derailing discussions about sex-positivity and making it difficult to lift the taboos around sexuality between consenting partners. We must reject the stigmas and taboos that have been imposed upon us by societal and religious norms and embrace our sexuality with an open mind and heart. Whether it be exploring feminist porn, using pornography as a tool for healthy communication within relationships, or simply accepting ourselves for who we are, we can all benefit from a more sex-positive outlook. Let us embrace our natural desires with responsibility, maturity, and fulfill our needs without judgment or shame. Future articles will explore how various gnostic groups approached sexuality.

Further Reading:

Katerina Litsou, Cynthia Graham & Roger Ingham (2021) Women in Relationships and Their Pornography Use: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis, Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 47:4, 381-413, DOI: 10.1080/0092623X.2021.1885532