A Love That Doesn't Last: Pornography Consumption and Weakened Commitment to One's Romantic Partner

Abstract

we examined whether the consumption of pornography affects romantic relationships, with the expectation that higher levels of pornography consumption would correspond to weakened commitment in young adult romantic relationships. Study 1 (n = 367) found that higher pornography consumption was related to lower commitment, and Study 2 (n = 34) replicated this finding using observational data. Study 3 (n = 20) participants were randomly assigned to either refrain from viewing pornography or to a self-control task. those who continued using pornography reported lower levels of commitment than control participants. in Study 4 (n = 67), participants consuming higher levels of pornography flirted more with an extradyadic partner during an online chat. Study 5 (n = 240) found that pornography consumption was positively related to infidelity and this association was mediated by commitment. overall, a consistent pattern of results was found using a variety of approaches including cross-sectional (Study 1), observational (Study 2), experimental (Study 3), and behavioral (Studies 4 and 5) data.

The Role of Internet Pornography Use and Cyber Infidelity in the Associations between Personality, Attachment, and Couple and Sexual Satisfaction

“…Couples need to be able to define infidelity before they can establish clear rules about Internet use [49]. Therapists need to consider the importance of the Internet in romantic relationships, and should be aware of the possible behaviors that might predict infidelity, such as pornography use [84]. Online behaviors should be assessed on a continuum, ranging from simple online entertainment, to online dating, to cyber addiction [53].…”

Eliminate Chronic Internet Pornography Use to Reveal Its Effects

“…A 2012 study found that when half of participants tried to abstain from pornography use for 3 weeks, they reported higher levels of relationship commitment (Lambert, Negash, Stillman, Olmstead, & Fincham, 2012). These two studies demonstrate that even in those who are not addicted, who only endeavor to abstain, and who do so for a mere 3 weeks, changes are significant.…”

Sexual Dysfunctions in Men: An Evolutionary Perspective

“…Similarly, pornography is another evolutionary novel factor that may have an effect on men's sexual functioning. For example, excessive porn consumption reduces romantic relationship satisfaction (Lambert et al 2012), and it is linked with greater endorsement of, and more frequent participation in, extra-marital relations (Wright 2013). In addition, other evolutionary novel environmental conditions such as air pollution, high levels of stress, unemployment, and overpopulation may likewise negatively affect sexual functioning.…”