Mental Health

Open Access: No.

Abstract

Introduction: Digital technologies increasingly shape contemporary sexual behaviors, with social media use, online sexual activity, and pornography consumption becoming common aspects of modern intimacy.

Aim: This study examined the relationships between social media addiction, online sexual activity, problematic pornography consumption, and sexual satisfaction among Greek adults and explored how these associations vary across demographic groups.

Materials and methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional correlational design was employed with a sample of 676 Greek adults recruited via online platforms. Participants completed an anonymous questionnaire including the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, Internet Sex Screening Test, Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale, and Satisfaction With Sex Life Scale. Nonparametric tests (Spearman rank correlation, Kruskal-Wallis tests) and simple linear regressions were conducted using SPSS Statistics version 25 (IBM Corp. Released 2017. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.).

Results: Higher levels of social media addiction, online sexual activity, and problematic pornography consumption were each significantly associated with lower sexual satisfaction (rs = -0.230, rs = -0.148, and rs = -0.293, respectively; all p < 0.001). Social media addiction positively predicted online sexual activity (β = 0.356, p < 0.001; R² = 0.127) and problematic pornography consumption (β = 0.407, p < 0.001; R² = 0.165), while negatively predicting sexual satisfaction (β = -0.244, p < 0.001; R² = 0.060). Online sexual activity strongly predicted problematic pornography consumption (β = 0.748, p < 0.001; R² = 0.559) and also predicted lower sexual satisfaction (β = -0.215, p < 0.001; R² = 0.046). Demographic analyses showed that transgender participants, younger individuals, and those with lower educational attainment reported higher levels of social media addiction (p < 0.05), online sexual activity (p < 0.05), and problematic pornography use (p < 0.05). Regarding sexual orientation, bisexual and pansexual participants demonstrated the lowest sexual satisfaction, whereas homosexual participants reported the highest levels of sexual satisfaction (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: The findings suggest that excessive engagement in digital sexual behaviors and problematic online media use are linked to reduced sexual satisfaction in Greek adults. These associations appear consistent across demographic groups but are more pronounced in specific populations. The results underscore the need for culturally tailored interventions promoting balanced digital engagement, sexual health education, and awareness of the potential psychological and relational impacts of online sexual behaviors.

Relevance

“Early exposure to pornography can be a significant factor in shaping future sexual attitudes and behaviors. In this study [adults in India; 81% male], it was shown that the mean age of first exposure to pornography materials was 14.1 years” – although 16% of study participants were first exposed during ages 6-10. The study also found that participants who scored higher on problematic pornography use also had a lower age of first exposure.

Almost 70% of participants “will not communicate with their partner about their porn habits.”

The top porn content preferences were MILF, threesome, BDSM, lesbian, and gangbang.

Almost 75% of all participants reported negative consequences of pornography consumption. “The most affected domain was personal life, followed by education/occupation, social life, romantic relationships, and financial aspects.”

Those who scored higher on problematic pornography use also had higher scores for depression, anxiety, and stress, “which implies the underlying emotional dysregulation factor and maladaptive coping pattern leading to problematic porn consumption.”

Citation

Rajashekar, M., Sharma, M. K., & Amudhan, S. (2025). Problematic Pornography Use Among Indian Adults: Patterns, Preferences, Motives, Psychosocial Impacts, and Support Strategies. International Journal of Sexual Health. https://doi.org/10.1080/19317611.2025.2584545