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The use of pornography, and its effects on people and relationships, has been debated for years, but porn can be a positive thing, writes sex coach Jade Zwane
The truth is many of us like to watch others having sex. It’s a way of exploring (what we may not have the courage to do) vicariously through others. It is a form of escape from our reality. I am sceptical about studies that blankly declare pornography as the cause of society’s sexual ills.
It has become fashionable to blame everything from increased sex crimes and dopamine addiction on the use of porn. But research shows no correlation between these factors and porn use.
Yet it is worrying that, with increased access to the internet, a rising number of young people (male and female) are learning how to have sex from watching porn. This is mainly because of inadequate sex education and the emphasis on abstinence, which is taught in schools.
Porn is intended for adult entertainment and is not suitable for minors.
But like most things, with the negative are positive elements to the moderate consumption of pornography by the intended target audience.
To say that viewers of porn become desensitised and seek more perverse porn, which then leads to sexual aggression and the objectification of women, is as absurd as saying that watching porn results in erectile dysfunction.
Yes, the characters portrayed in pornographic films more often than not have augmented body parts, but viewing that does not mean a male viewer will necessarily have a hard time being stimulated by a woman outside of the film.
There is no scientific research to back up these claims. The effects of watching porn on the brain are no different from consuming any other form of entertainment.
People who prefer porn to human interaction and connection do so as a result of deep-seated social problems, and not because of the porn itself. If it wasn’t for the porn, they would have another activity.
Watching porn with a partner can provide a platform to generate different ideas to explore desires. It can help a couple establish their boundaries on what they are and are not willing to do. Couples have a difficult enough time discussing intimate topics and porn can initiate the first conversation. It is a way to live out our fantasies. Watching porn can stimulate arousal and increase libido.
Many couples who watch porn together will do so to get aroused to engage in sex.
My take on this is do whatever works, as long as it takes place within the confines of the law
Talk to us: Do you think porn is a healthy part of a relationship?
