By Floyd Godfrey, PhD

Pervasiveness Across the Population
In today’s hyperconnected society, pornography has become one of the most widely consumed forms of media. The ease of access through mobile devices and anonymity of online platforms have created a cultural norm where pornography use is no longer seen as unusual, even among adolescents. Yet, the data reveals sobering realities about the frequency of use among American adults. A 2014 Barna Group survey reported that a staggering 79% of males between 18 and 30 years old viewed pornography at least once a month, and 63% did so more than once per week. Even among males aged 31 to 49, two-thirds (67%) consumed pornography monthly, with 38% doing so multiple times per week.

These numbers highlight a growing public health issue that is rarely addressed with the seriousness it warrants. As the American College of Pediatricians (2025) notes, “children exposed to pornographic material are at risk for a broad range of maladaptive behaviors and psychopathology” (p. 5). Given that many individuals begin viewing pornography during adolescence, these adult patterns often represent years of accumulated exposure and reinforced behaviors.

Understanding Gender and Age Differences
While men still make up the majority of frequent pornography consumers, female use is not insignificant. The Barna data shows that 34% of women aged 18 to 30 view pornography monthly, and 19% more than once a week. Among women aged 31 to 49, 16% view pornography monthly, while 8% use it more frequently. Even though usage decreases with age for both genders, the high rates among younger adults reflect the growing normalization of pornography in modern culture.

These statistics are especially concerning given the long-term effects on relationships and psychological development. The American College of Pediatricians (2025) warns that “for older adolescents and young adults, pornography teaches a false narrative regarding human sexuality and how men and women form healthy sexual relationships. This makes it more difficult for young men and women to form authentic, stable relationships” (p. 19).

The Role of Clinical Awareness and Intervention
Mental health professionals, coaches, and educators must be equipped to recognize the influence of pornography on clients' emotional well-being, relationship satisfaction, and sexual functioning. These numbers are not simply data points—they represent millions of individuals who may be struggling in silence. When habitual use begins early in life, it often becomes deeply tied to emotional regulation, loneliness, and even trauma responses.

Clinical interventions should include psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioral approaches, and support for emotional regulation skills. Models from professionals like Patrick Carnes and Doug Weiss provide structured pathways for recovery. Therapists can help clients differentiate between artificial arousal patterns formed by pornography and the emotional depth that comes from genuine relational intimacy.

Cultural Implications and the Need for Change
Widespread pornography use is not just a personal issue; it has cultural consequences. Research shows that long-term use can erode trust, increase infidelity, and diminish satisfaction in romantic relationships. The American College of Pediatricians (2025) highlights that “pornography has a negative effect on marriage and long-term cohabitating couples, making them more vulnerable to divorce or dissolution, and this in turn has negative health effects for the children involved” (p. 18).

To address this, a public health approach is needed. Awareness campaigns, parental education, and stronger content regulation online are essential. Professional communities must also foster open dialogue about the risks of habitual pornography use. By confronting the issue with honesty and compassion, individuals and families can begin to heal and rebuild a foundation for healthy sexuality and meaningful relationships.

Floyd Godfrey, PhD is a Clinical Sexologist and a Certified Sex Addiction Specialist. He has been guiding clients since 2000 and currently speaks and provides consulting and mental health coaching across the globe. To learn more about Floyd Godfrey, PhD please visit his website: www.FloydGodfrey.com.

References
American College of Pediatricians. (2025, September 20). The impact of pornography on children. American College of Pediatricians. https://acpeds.org/the-impact-of-pornography-on-children/?utm_source=chatgpt.com.