Pornography can get a bad reputation, from promoting unrealistic ideals around sex and body image to addiction. But, like any consumption of entertainment, it may not be as bad as we think when done in moderation. Whether it’s watching gay porn to explore one’s own sexuality or getting lost in an erotic arthouse film, there are some benefits that we should be honest about.
There was a research study in Denmark, surveying 688 adults, which found that porn had no negative mental or health effects. Of course, addiction can exist with an overconsumption of anything, and it’s unfair to blame the pornography itself.
Encouraging masturbation
There’s certainly no controversy over the benefits of masturbation, as it can be a way to increase fertility, relieve stress, and maintain a healthy balance of hormones. Whilst watching porn isn’t required for masturbation, for many, it can help facilitate and encourage the process of masturbating.
Other benefits of masturbation include helping us sleep better, relieve tension, and improve our self-esteem and the way we view our body image. Another huge benefit for men is that it can help reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
All of these benefits are relevant whether the person in question is single or in a relationship – for example, increasing fertility and maintaining a balance of hormones will be beneficial to a healthy relationship.
Improving sex life
Pornography can help improve one’s sex life in a variety of ways. First and foremost, regular masturbation can mean lasting longer in the bedroom. If a man hasn’t engaged in any sexual activity for weeks or months, then premature ejaculation can negatively impact dating life – or a relationship. Of course, watching porn and regular masturbation defeats this problem.
Furthermore, pornography and masturbation can help understand your own body. Watching other people be pleasured can give you ideas to try out yourself and discover your own pleasures. Plus, this can then help a man’s sex life because they can relay this information to their partner – after all, how are they meant to know what gets you off if you don’t know yourself?
Normalizing desires
Many people have a sense of guilt over their sexual desire or kinks. Whether this is because they were brought up in a conservative way or simply fear they have an unusually “shameful” kink, pornography can be an incredible way to interact and fulfill these desires without judgment.
Over time, watching pornography can help normalize such desires and help one become comfortable with them. Plus, if they’re not being satisfied in real relationships, why not indulge them through pornography?
Amateur and indie porn
Watching porn on mass around the world has helped create the demand and money for some very unique and high-quality pornography. The industry has innovated and evolved to the point where genuine, boundary-pushing filmmaking is booming.
Erotic films with incredible shots and creative elements are constantly being made, which is a good thing for society. It is an art form that has its place and appreciated by many, with individuals actually learning filmmaking themselves in a democratized way through amateur porn.
