Is watching porn cheating?
Is watching porn cheating?
When I really think about this topic, it’s quite a funny thing. At first, I thought, “Of course not! Cheating is cheating!” Well, wait, what IS cheating? I suppose cheating is subjective… Cheating isn’t always physical. Cheating could be considered anything done behind your partner’s back and vice versa.
Though I personally don’t consider watching porn to be cheating, the deeper I dive into this topic, the more unsettling it becomes. The fact is that porn involves arousal from someone other than your partner, and when you stack up the pros and cons, the negatives seem to be winning by a landslide. Porn isn't just a personal habit, it has far-reaching effects on mental health, relationships, brain function, and even society as a whole. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves… before I share some disturbing stats, let’s give you what you came here for:
Is watching porn cheating?
Based on 2,000+ men and women that voted.
Takeaway:
Both men and women largely do not consider watching porn as cheating, but women are slightly more likely to see it as a form of betrayal (13% vs. 9%).
Women are also less certain, with 24% saying "unsure" compared to 13% of men, which suggests women may have more nuanced feelings about it.
Does porn set unrealistic expectations about sex and body image?
Based on 2,000+ men and women who voted.
Takeaway:
Both men and women agree that porn creates unrealistic expectations, but women feel this much more strongly (79% vs. 64%).
Men are almost twice as likely to say no (28% vs. 14%), suggesting men are more likely to dismiss the idea that porn affects real-life expectations.
Is porn just another form of entertainment, or is it quietly rewiring the way we think about intimacy and connection?
Now for those disturbing stats… brace yourselves. Porn is a multi-billion-dollar industry with profound effects on mental health, relationships, and even the way we view sex and intimacy. While some see it as harmless entertainment, research suggests that excessive consumption can lead to addiction, emotional distress, and even changes in the brain. Let us not forget about potential relationship struggles, contributing to unrealistic expectations, decreased sexual satisfaction, and even breakups. Beyond personal impact, the influence of porn extends into society, shaping attitudes toward sex, consent, and gender dynamics.
Mental health and addiction
Porn addiction affects 3-6% of the population globally, with men being disproportionately affected. (Kraus et al., 2016 - Current Reports in Psychiatry)
Excessive porn use is linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and loneliness. (Meerkerk et al., 2006 - CyberPsychology & Behavior)
Frequent porn consumption is associated with lower life satisfaction and self-esteem. (Grubbs et al., 2015 - Journal of Sex Research)
A study found that 64% of young men and 18% of young women say they watch porn at least once a week, with some reporting compulsive behaviors that interfere with daily life. (Pew Research Center, 2021)
Relationship & sexual dysfunction
56% of divorces involved one partner having an “obsessive interest in porn,” according to a survey of divorce lawyers. (American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 2014)
A study found that men who frequently watch porn report lower sexual satisfaction and erectile dysfunction, often requiring more extreme content over time to achieve the same level of arousal. (Wright et al., 2017 - Journal of Behavioral Addictions)
Women in relationships with heavy porn users report feeling less attractive and have lower relationship satisfaction. (Bridges & Morokoff, 2011 - Journal of Sex Research)
One-third of men aged 18-30 report experiencing porn-induced erectile dysfunction (PIED)—despite being physically healthy. (Park et al., 2016 - Behavioral Sciences)
Neurological & behavioral effects of porn
Frequent porn use is linked to changes in the brain’s reward system, similar to those seen in drug addicts. (Voon et al., 2014 - JAMA Psychiatry)
Desensitization to sexual stimuli—over time, heavy porn users may need more extreme or taboo content to achieve the same arousal. (Hilton & Watts, 2011 - Socioaffective Neuroscience & Psychology)
Adolescents who watch porn regularly are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors and have distorted views on consent. (Owens et al., 2012 - Aggressive Behavior Journal)
Industry & societal impact of porn
The porn industry generates over $97 billion annually, larger than the combined revenues of Netflix, Amazon, and Google. (Forbes, 2023)
35% of all internet downloads are pornographic content. (Webroot Cybersecurity, 2022)
A growing number of studies link porn to increased sexual violence, unrealistic expectations, and objectification of women. (Dworkin & Wosnitzer, 2013 - Violence Against Women Journal)
A note from Steph:
If you’re struggling with porn addiction and feel like it’s affecting your mental health, relationships, or daily life, know that you’re not alone—and help is available. There are resources like therapy, online support groups, and accountability tools designed to help you regain control. Organizations like NoFap, Reboot Nation, and Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) offer community support, while therapists specializing in compulsive sexual behavior can provide professional guidance. If this is something you’re facing, reaching out could be the first step to real change.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic and these stats. Drop them down below in the comments!
xX,
Stephanie
