Scientific Research

The study points to a worrying link between problematic online pornography use (POPU) and insomnia. This relationship is fully mediated by psychological stress and emotion dysregulation: compulsive use worsens psychological distress and impairs emotional regulation, which in turn damages sleep quality. Furthermore, although only about 11.3% of the sample exhibited high levels of POPU, the effects of uncontrolled compulsive use were significantly associated with anxiety symptoms, psychological distress, social isolation, sexual dysfunction, impaired daily functioning, and persistent sleep-wake cycle disruptions.

Study title:

The Interplay Between Problematic Online Pornography Use, Psychological Stress, Emotion Dysregulation and Insomnia Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mediation Analysis

Published in:

PubMed Central

Date of publication:

January 2022

Researchers:

אלסנדרו מוזטי, אלסיו גורי, אלסיה אלסנדרה, אליאונורה טופינו, גראציה טרונה, ג'וזפה פלאצי, מרקו קצ'יופו, כריסטיאן פרנצ'סקיני

A longitudinal study (SpringerLink, 2024) reveals alarming links between psychological distress and increased pornography consumption among young adults. Key findings show that individuals experiencing co-occurring depression and anxiety symptoms face a 2.72-fold higher risk of daily pornography viewing compared to non-symptomatic peers. Viewing acts as a maladaptive escape mechanism from emotional distress and anhedonia. As depressive symptoms rise, consumption frequency grows, heightening risks of eroded self-control, compulsive behavior, and life impairment.

Study title:

הקשר בין התפתחות הפרעות דיכאון וחרדה לצריכת פורנוגרפיה

Published in:

SpringerLink

Date of publication:

November 2024

Researchers:

צ'יתרה סינגארדי, סמביד שרסטה, איימי ז'נג, ברנרד ל. הרלו, ג'סיקה ל. ברינגטון-טרימיס

A survey by the Institute for Family Studies and YouGov found that young adults who reported viewing pornography daily also reported higher rates of depression and loneliness. This is a statistical association; the survey does not establish that pornography use caused the distress.

Study title:

Frequent Porn Use Is Linked to Negative Mental Health Among Gen-Z and Millennials

Published in:

Institute for Family Studies / YouGov

Date of publication:

August 2026

A study of university students found associations between measures of compulsive pornography use and depression, anxiety and stress scores. The researchers also examined loss of control, neglect of responsibilities and use as a way of coping with emotions.

Study title:

Compulsive Internet Pornography Use and Mental Health: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Sample of University Students in the United States

Published in:

Frontiers in Psychology

Date of publication:

August 2026

A study of young adults found associations between problematic pornography use and anxiety, depression, stress, loneliness, lower life satisfaction and measures of suicidality. The study does not establish causation.

Study title:

Problematic Pornography Use, Mental Health, and Suicidality among Young Adults

Published in:

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Date of publication:

August 2026