Socialization & Relationship Outcomes
Breaking the Barrier: A Content Analysis of Condom Use Behaviors in Popular Online Pornography.
Open Access: Yes.
Abstract
No study to date has examined the norms conveyed when condoms are depicted in online pornography. This gap is critical given the popularity of such content and growing evidence that adolescents and young adults turn to pornography for sexual information. Guided by the 3AM model, three coders analyzed 101 condom-tagged videos from popular websites, each with at least 2 million views. Using CDC guidelines, correct condom use was assessed and found that none of the videos demonstrated all seven recommended steps. Condoms were not used for STI prevention during oral or penetrative sex. Consent for condom removal was often nonverbal and more commonly initiated by the partner being penetrated. However, when the penetrator removed the condom, consent was obtained only half the time, suggesting that violations of informed consent may be normalized. While condoms were present, they were often depicted in ways that diminished their purpose–such as being removed mid-act or portrayed as undesirable–frequently tied to storylines emphasizing taboo or risk. These findings contribute to the literature by illustrating how condom use is represented in widely viewed pornography and identifying clear targets for intervention. Sexual health programs should address condom-related narratives and misinformation conveyed in popular pornography, emphasizing media literacy and safer sex communication.
Relevance
“Findings indicate that these videos rarely depict comprehensive or correct condom use…pornography represents an unreliable model for safer sex practices…This is especially concerning given prior research showing that young people often turn to pornography for sexual instruction…As a result, viewers–including those lacking alternative sources of information– may internalize risky or incorrect condom practices, potentially increasing their vulnerability to unintended pregnancy, STIs, and other adverse health outcomes.”
Furthermore, when condoms were removed by the penetrator, “there was no evidence of partner awareness nearly half the time, indicating frequent occurrences of stealthing– a nonconsensual act equated with sexual assault or rape..This lack of clear, mutual consent may normalize stealthing or imply that such behavior is acceptable.”
“These findings highlight the need for media literacy to help viewers critically assess and challenge misleading portrayals of safer sex practices.”
Citation
Galper, E.F., Mazandarani, F. (2025). Breaking the Barrier: A Content Analysis of Condom Use Behaviors in Popular Online Pornography. Archives of Sexual Behavior. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-025-03243-x
