The Most Common Myths of Pornography Use

With pornography so accessible through widespread, high-speed Internet access, more people are consuming it than ever before. As porn use becomes more common culturally, users tend to want to justify that it is "no big deal."

Here are two people who'd disagree with that statement: Jeff is a pastor with more than 20 years experience and a master's degree in marriage and family therapy; Robin, a licensed marriage and family counselor also with more than 20 years of experience. "We have dedicated much of our time researching and presenting on numerous aspects of pornography — having also been impacted by it personally. As a marriage and family pastor, Jeff has counseled men and couples struggling with pornography and its impacts. Robin has counseled women and led women's groups in this area."

After years counseling individuals and couples struggling with pornography and its impacts, we shared in our eBook the 3 most common myths of using pornography — and the universal truths that debunk them.

3 Common Myths of Pornography Use

Myth #1: I'm not hurting anyone.

It's easy to think what we do in private has no effect on anyone else. In truth, watching porn develops a mindset of lying, hiding and secrecy, which tends to spill over into our intrapersonal lives.

Myth #2: Looking at porn isn't really "cheating."

Watching porn may be done in private. But when partners discover porn, it is a devastating betrayal to them.

Watching porn also decreases our sexual satisfaction, disconnecting us from real relationships. It has also been found to be a precursor to marital sexual dissatisfaction and divorce.

Myth #3: It is only a problem among men.

Both males and females struggle with pornography. To only address it with males is to perpetuate the "code of silence" prevalent among congregations and especially among females.

67% of males and 33% of females age 13-24 seek out porn at least once a month; 47% of males and 12% of females over the age of 25. (The Barna Group)

For more statistics and expert insight on how to address pornography with your congregation, refer to the Pornography section in our free RelateStrong | Leadership Series eBook.