Porn Addiction by the Numbers: Demographics, Stats & Trends
Author:
Jonathan
Published:
Sep 8, 2024
,
05:10 p.m.
ET
Porn addiction occurs when an individual is so dependent on pornography that it interferes with every aspect of their life, including their job, relationships, and social relationships. Pornography becomes a priority in that individual's life. Some experts consider porn addiction a hypersexual disorder.
According to a 2019 study, three to six percent of people struggle with porn addiction. However, the rates are difficult to determine because of the lack of classification. Even the DSM-5 doesn't recognize porn addiction. However, most experts believe that disordered pornography use exists. This guide will explain more about porn addiction, including demographics, treatment options, and diagnosis.
Gender
Most statistics and studies about porn addiction are self-reported. Males report higher porn addiction and porn use rates than women. For example, 69% of men look at porn compared to 40% of women. Men are also 20% more likely to download pornography than women.
Age
The most common age in the U.S. for porn use is between the ages of 18 and 34 years old, reports Dignify. Fifty-seven percent of young adults aged 18–25 use porn once a month, compared to 29% of adults aged 25 or older. America's youth has also been exposed to porn in some form.
Ninety-three percent of teen boys and 62% of girls have been exposed to porn at a very young age. The average age span is 9–13. One study in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions found that men reported having early exposure to porn, which affected their porn use later in life.
Sexual Orientation
Pornography attracts everyone, regardless of sexual orientation. It's likely to attract heterosexual men as much as it would attract homosexual men. However, male sexual minorities are more likely to struggle with negative body image and sexual health issues resulting from porn use. One study from Culture, Health & Sexuality found that male sexual minorities who increased their porn use experienced negative effects on sexual expectations.
Race
Porn usage can vary among races. Porn addiction affects people from all backgrounds and ethnicities. One study collected data on porn viewing rates from 1973–2016. The findings showed that Black Americans are more likely to look at pornography than White Americans.
Black men are more likely to look at porn than any other gender or race. More white women have looked at porn over time. Some were similar to the porn use rates of Black men.
Socioeconomic Status
The previously mentioned studies include socioeconomic factors, such as income level. That doesn't mean income levels have a direct correlation to pornography use. There's no direct link between increased porn use and lower income levels. Porn usage is based on a combination of factors, including early exposure, gender, and overexposure.
Other factors
Porn addiction is a result of multiple factors. There's no one cause for this addiction. Studies found that pornography stimulates the brain similarly to other substances. It triggers the brain's reward system, similar to drugs and alcohol. The positive effects can make an individual addicted to porn.
According to AddictionHelp.com, other factors that affect porn addiction include:
Accessibility: Porn is accessible in most parts of the U.S. and around the world. In 2021, 98% of pornographic material was viewed online, with 69% of users on their smartphones.
Rapid growth: The porn industry has grown over the years. Some of the most popular adult websites have monthly subscriptions that cost $10 or more. As of 2023, the porn industry is worth $1 billion.
Self-reported: Most porn addiction is self-reported since it's not accepted as a real mental health condition.
Personal factors: Individuals who view pornography as morally wrong are more likely to struggle with porn addiction compared to those who don't view it as morally wrong. Some people who identify as religious had higher self-reported rates of porn addiction.
How prevalent is Porn Addiction? Stats & Trends
United States
Despite conflicting beliefs, porn addiction is a real problem. In 2019, a study found that 11% of men and 3% of women struggle with porn addiction. Another study in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions found that 7% of Americans reported having a porn addiction. This study was based on 2,075 people and their porn use.
Worldwide
Worldwide statistics reveal that porn addiction affects 13% of the global population. Nearly 30% of internet traffic around the world is related to porn. In addition, the global porn industry is estimated to be worth $97 billion.
Thirty-five percent of downloads contain pornographic material. Also, one in five mobile searches are from adult websites. The digital age has made it hard for some individuals to control their porn habits.
It's not just men looking at pornographic websites. Women are also taking part in online pleasure. Pornographic websites receive more traffic than Amazon, Netflix, and Twitter combined. The average time spent on a porn website is 12 minutes.
How is Porn Addiction defined and diagnosed?
Porn addiction occurs when an individual has a compulsion to watch porn and can't stop. This behavioral addiction can negatively affect one's work, finances, and personal relationships. Some experts refer to porn addiction as "compulsive porn disorder" or "hypersexuality disorder."
In 2018, the World Health Organization recognized compulsion sexual behavior (CSB) as a mental health disorder. In the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), the definition of this disorder includes the following:
Compulsive urges: Inability to control strong sexual urges or behaviors.
Repeating actions: Continuing to engage in sexual behaviors to receive the same high.
Emotional distress: Compulsive porn use can cause distress in one’s educational, family, interpersonal, occupational, or other vital areas of life.
Failed attempts: Failing to quit repeated sexual behaviors despite multiple attempts.
Porn becomes the central focus of an individual's life. Their career and daily responsibilities get pushed to the side. This addiction can also cause them to have an unrealistic view of body image, sex, and relationships.
Some individuals might engage in porn in public places like work. This obsession can cause someone to do things they wouldn't normally do. Porn addiction is just one aspect of compulsive sexual behavior. In some cases, it could lead to sex addiction.
Treatment for Porn Addiction
There's no specific treatment for porn addiction. Individuals seeking treatment for porn addiction might benefit from therapy. Treatment typically includes a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, psychotherapy, and support groups. Therapy helps individuals identify the causes of their porn addiction.
They will also address other issues, such as anxiety, depression, guilt, shame, or relationship problems. It's important to find a mental health therapist who understands porn addiction and can handle these complex psychological issues. Some treatments may involve:
Psychotherapy: This allows the individual to understand the causes of their porn addiction. Some will learn what causes their compulsive urges and desires.
Support groups: This provides a safe outlet and a sense of encouragement. The most common support groups for porn addiction are Porn Addicts Anonymous and Sex Addicts Anonymous, which are based on the Alcoholics Anonymous 12-steps program.
Family or relationship counseling: Counseling can help individuals rebuild trust in their relationships and communicate with their partner.
Medication: Sometimes medication might be used to treat a co-occurring condition, such as anxiety or depression.
Lifestyle changes: Individuals can seek porn out of boredom, stress, or exhaustion. A healthy lifestyle can prevent relapse.
Virtual Treatment
Virtual treatment is another option. This allows individuals to overcome porn addiction in the privacy of their own homes. There's no need to sit in traffic or run into somebody you know at the counselor's office.
Birches Health offers comprehensive virtual treatment for porn addiction, which includes support groups and counseling. The platform works with licensed clinicians specializing in treating porn addiction.
Recovery starts with a self-assessment, which determines the severity of your condition. A licensed clinician will help you uncover the cause of your porn addiction. Over time, you will learn healthier coping strategies.
Here are some ways to get started with Birches Health:
You can also speak to the team at 833-483-3838 or email hello@bircheshealth.com to connect with Birches Health.
Take a free Porn Addiction self-assessment test online now!
Sources:
What to know about porn addiction - Medical News Today
The paradox of pornography – sexuality and problematic pornography use
Porn Addiction Statistics - Rates, Demographics and Effects (2024)
Alarming Porn Addiction Statistics: Impact on Society and Individuals Revealed
Porn addiction: Signs, causes, and treatment - Medical News Today
