The Consequences of Pornography

How Pornography is poisoning our minds, relationships, and society

Photo by Adrian González on Unsplash

It is in no way hyperbolic to state that the pornographic industry has laid its deadly grip tightly on America. The pornographic industry has been strengthened immensely in the recent decades – growing to a multi-multi billion dollar industry. Pornographic material in the form of magazines or videos can not only be easily viewed and purchased in stores, but also freely consumed online. Anyone has access to the most explicit depictions of sexuality (even including graphic child pornography or bestiality) literally within a few clicks.

In 2014, The company Covenant Eyes reported that a staggering 20% of mobile searches and 13% of all internet searches are for erotic content. In 2024, they reported that Pornhub had become the sixth most popular website in the world, boasting of 5.6 billion views. Currently, approximately 61% of the general population (2 out of 3!) report viewing porn, including 78% of men and 44% of women, numbers that have been on a continuous rise (Covenant Eyes, 2025).

However, not only is consumption of erotic content rampant and readily accessible, it is also being constantly pushed to the general population, including impressionable children and teenagers. An astounding 28% of 16 to 17 year olds have been “unwillingly exposed” to online nudity and 70% of 15-17 year olds have reported accidently stumbling across pornography online (Covenant Eyes, 2014).

Instead of becoming aware of the dangers of its sexual obsession, many in America seem to revel in it and view pornography use as simply an expected event. The obvious trend towards increasing sexualization over recent decades that has taken place across the entertainment, advertising, and public media sectors of America are both reflections and catalysts of our desires. However, usage of pornography is not a harmless activity, no matter how normalized or widespread its usage may become.

The first line of decay caused by pornography starts with our brains. Exactly as with the effects of illegal drug use, individuals who view porn can swiftly begin to create new neural pathways in the areas of the brain comprising the pleasure and reward centers. Upon viewing pornography, the neurotransmitter dopamine (among others) is released in massive amounts into the brain (Hilton).

The brain adapts, however, and greater and greater amounts and variations of pornography are required to produce that same feeling. As the pornography user “chases the ghost” in an attempt to satisfy their desires, they must increase their consumption and/ or go deeper and deeper into increasingly graphic depictions of erotic material.