Internet Pornography

Social scientists use the term pornography to refer to media that depict nudity or graphic sexual acts designed to arouse viewers. As Internet access becomes more commonplace in the United States and across the globe, the vast majority of those who consume pornography now access these videos and images via the Internet rather than through other platforms such as magazines or DVDs. In fact, some researchers’ recent estimates suggest that 13% of all Internet searches are for pornographic content.

Although traditional pornography has been studied for many decades, scientists and laypeople alike have wondered how the Internet may change the way in which consumers interact with pornography. This entry covers recent literature on Internet pornography consumption, including rates of use and motivations for exposure; predictors of ...