This can include porn shaping gender stereotypes, sexist attitudes, and sexual expectations; an increased likelihood of risky sexual behaviours; porn-related mental health and body image issues; an increased acceptance of sexual violence towards women; an association with sexually aggressive and coercive behaviours; and lowered sexual satisfaction.

Of note, there are also multiple other factors that can contribute to a young person’s sexual attitudes and behaviours and more research is needed in this area to fully understand the association between porn and its potential impacts.

The likelihood of impact also varies greatly amongst young people and is dependent on factors such as the frequency and duration of usage, content type, age of user, sexual experience, and whether porn is viewed as a ‘realistic’ template for sex.