JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Due to increasing access to online pornography and concerns about its impact on viewers, many researchers have attempted to systematically analyse the content of pornography.

Objective:

We systematically review the results of quantitative content analyses of video-based pornography and identify the degree to which the following behaviors are depicted: 1) sexual behaviors and themes, 2) condom use during sexual behaviors, and 3) aggression and violence.

Methods:

Inclusion criteria for article eligibility were a) peer-reviewed; b) English language; c) described a quantitative content analysis of video pornography, and d) quantitatively examined at least one variable of interest.

Results:

Twenty-three studies met eligibility criteria. Studies varied in scope and definitions of behavioral variables. Condom use was rare, although more commonly depicted in gay male pornography (36-64% videos) compared to heterosexual pornography (2-3% videos). ‘Normative’ sexual behaviors were the most frequently depicted in pornography samples (e.g. vaginal intercourse in 48-90% and fellatio in 52-90% of heterosexual videos, fellatio in 66-100% and anal intercourse in 70-80% of gay male videos). Extreme acts of violence (1-3% videos) and rape (0-6% videos) were relatively rare. However, more subtle forms of aggression, such as spanking (5-75% videos), were more common, and unequal sexual relations (e.g. domination) were also common. Although estimates varied by study, dominating and violent behaviors were nearly always directed towards women.

Conclusions:

Condom non-use and gender inequalities are common in pornography, which has implications for the development of healthy sexual relationships among pornography viewers. Higher quality research, including study replication and consistent methodological choices, is needed.