Teens and Internet Pornography

The extent of information that is available on the internet is difficult to fully comprehend. While many websites have made information on numerous positive topics easily accessible, the internet has also made pornography much easier for young adults to find – both intentionally and unintentionally. According to a study published in the Journal of Pediatrics, about 40% of teens have visited sexually explicit websites, some by choice and others by accident. Because the Pandora’s Box of the internet is not likely to go away any time soon, it’s important that parents be aware of the possible long-term effects of their son’s or daughter’s behaviors related to internet and other pornography.

While sexual curiosity is a normal part of growing up and the internet – including social networking websites like MySpace and Facebook – has become a normal part of the average teen’s life, some research indicates that excessive exposure to pornography can shape a young person’s attitudes toward both sexuality and sexual intercourse. For example, some psychologists argue that young people who are bombarded with sexual images – both realistic and extreme – over the course of their adolescence begin to think of sex as just another function like eating, and they lose any sense of the emotional experience that can make intercourse more fulfilling and meaningful. Teens, especially males, may also develop negative attitudes about members of the opposite sex and begin to think of potential or current partners as objects. This may make it more difficult for the individual to start and maintain meaningful, lasting relationships in the future. Furthermore, exposure to pornography may also skew a young person’s body image and expectations about sex, leaving them feeling inadequate, incompetent, and/or unsatisfied when they do become sexually active.

Does viewing internet or other pornography lead to sex addiction?

Maybe. Like drinking alcohol, some people can view pornography without developing an addiction to it. But certain individuals may become addicted to the behavior and the positive feelings they associate with it, which may, in turn, lead the person to experiment with other, more risky sexual behaviors that can lead to sex addiction. As mentioned above, even if the teen does not develop an addiction to sex, excessive exposure to pornography can shape their attitudes toward sex negatively and lay the foundation for relationship and other problems in the future. If you suspect that your teen has a problem with pornography or other sexual behaviors, it is better to address these issues sooner than later. You should consult their primary physician who can determine if the behavior is normal and may refer you to a psychologist.

What are signs that my young adult is viewing or addicted to internet pornography?

Although one of these signs does not necessarily mean your child is viewing or addicted to internet pornography, the more signs they exhibit, the more likely it is that they are.

• Keeping the door to the room closed when they are using the computer
• Displaying negative or apathetic attitudes about sexuality and the opposite sex
• Spending excessive amounts of time on the computer
• Exhibiting anxiety if they are surprised by someone while using the computer
• Having problems in relationships, at work, or in school>
• Lying about amount of time spent on the internet and websites visited