The scientific community is exploring ways that pornography may impact individual wellbeing and functioning. This research involves studies on pornography compulsion, mental health outcomes, and body image concerns, as well as studies on sexual attitudes and behaviors.

Perhaps the largest influence of pornography on people’s lives is the ability to influence expectations regarding sexuality and relationships. A growing number of studies are documenting the negative effects of pornography on relationship quality, satisfaction, and commitment; as well as increasing the likelihood of relationship conflict and breakup.

Enough evidence has validated the concern surrounding pornography and the ties it has to global issues such as sexual violence and human sex trafficking that it warrants a closer examination of how pornography and these wider societal trends intertwine.