REVEALED: Over 60% of young men watch porn and less likely to use condoms as a result
Significant jump in numbers when comparing male and female consumption of same age
New research published by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), has found that online pornography use in Ireland is highly gendered.
64% of young men in their 20s and 13% of young women the same age report regular consumption. Interestingly, young men who watch pornography are "significantly less likely" to use protection, specifically condoms.
The research examines the individual, family and school factors linked to using pornography and examines wellbeing and sexual behaviour among those who use it.
Emer Smyth, one of the authors of the report, said: “Poorer wellbeing is found among pornography users, especially men. There is value therefore in addressing use, and potentially problematic internet use in general, through mental-health promotion measures.”
Key findings:
- Men from more advantaged backgrounds are more likely to use pornography. In contrast, there is little systematic variation by social background for women.
- Men from lone-parent families are less likely than those from two-parent families to use pornography, while rates of use are higher for women from lone-parent families.
- Pornography use is lower among those with a religious affiliation.
- LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly women in this group, are more likely to use pornography.
The study also looked at the relationship between pornography use and two sets of outcomes: sexual behaviour and wellbeing.
- In general, users of pornography are significantly less likely to use condoms regularly.
- Men who use pornography have poorer wellbeing than non-users, reporting more depressive symptoms and having a poorer self-image. This pattern is evident even taking account of levels of wellbeing at 17 years of age.
- Among both women and men, those who use pornography have higher levels of aggression and are more likely to cope with stress by using negative strategies, such as drinking alcohol or drug-taking.
The research, funded under a research programme with the HSE Health and Wellbeing, Sexual Health & Crisis Pregnancy Programme (SHCPP), draws on data from the ’98 Cohort of the Growing Up in Ireland (GUI) study to look at pornography use among over 4,500 young adults aged 20.
Helen Deely, assistant national director for HSE Health and Wellbeing, said: “The findings of the research underscore the importance of talking to young people early and often about relationships, sex, consent, gender roles and expectations, and of creating an environment where they feel safe asking questions and talking about what they see online.”
The report’s findings highlight the need for young people to be supported to develop healthy attitudes and behaviours with regard to relationships and sexuality. The HSE has developed free resources to support parent/child conversations about relationships and sexuality available on the parents’ section of sexualwellbeing.ie.