The decline in intentions to stop watching pornography among young adults

Lim, Mengzhen and Wu, Shin Ling * and Yap, Chin Choo * and Low, Ka Shing and Tan, Yang Tai (2024) The decline in intentions to stop watching pornography among young adults. Sexual and Relationship Therapy. ISSN 1468-1749

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Abstract

Online pornography has grown tremendously in the past years worldwide including Asian countries. Thus, this study aimed to investigate if there have been any changes in Malaysians’ attitudes toward pornography, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control and intentions to stop watching pornography between 2015 and 2019. Data from 160 participants in 2015 and 166 participants in 2019 between 18 and 30 years old were collected using online surveys. The quantitative analysis conducted has shown that attitudes and subjective norms toward pornography have significantly increased while intentions to stop watching pornography have decreased over time. Meanwhile, no significant difference was found on perceived behavioural control. These changes may be due to the influence of technological advancements and entertainment liberalisation. The increase in accessibility and frequency of sexual content via modern media has increased sexual desires within a society, which subsequently decreases their intention to stop watching pornography. As there are many potential risks that are associated with avid pornography watching, we believe that there is a need to incorporate a prudent sexual education within schools to ensure young adults better understand pornography-viewing phenomena. LAY SUMMARY Comparing data between 2015 and 2019, we observed increased pro-pornography attitudes and subjective norms, reduced intentions to quit pornography viewing, and unchanged perceived behavioural control. We recommend enhancing sexual education in schools to foster a better understanding of pornography-related concerns among young adults.

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