CASTIMONIA

Sexual Purity Support & Recovery Group

Castimonia

By

Pornography Statistics

Originally posted at: https://www.covenanteyes.com/pornstats/

Here you can find the latest statistics on pornography. Download our free PDF for more detailed pornography stats and citations.

Contents

Porn Industry Statistics

“It seems so obvious: If we invent a machine, the first thing we are going to do—after making a profit—is use it to watch porn.”– Damon Brown, Author of Playboy’s Greatest Covers

How much money does the porn industry make?

In 2006, adult entertainment revenues were estimated at nearly $13 billion.1 In 2023, estimates for the global industry range from $58 billion2 all the way to $287 billion.3 We don’t know exactly how much of that is porn, but it’s safe to say it’s a multi-billion dollar industry.

How much porn is there?

There’s no way to calculate the exact amount of porn online. But experts estimate 4% of the internet is pornography.4

According to data aggregator SemRush, in September 2024, Pornhub was the sixth most popular website in the world and boasted over 5.6 billion views.5 Learn more in How Big is the Porn Industry?

User Generated Porn

Gone are the days where big studios produce all the pornography. The website OnlyFans, a platform for individuals to upload their own content for subscribers, was launched in 2016. It now produces $6.6 billion in annual revenue.6

Virtual Reality (VR) Porn

Although only 7% of millennials and 5% of Gen Z’ers report consuming VR porn,7 some experts predict it will grow to a $19 billion industry in the next few years.8

Violence and Abuse

A 2020 survey of thousands of pornographic videos found that 45% had at least one act of physical aggression. A related trend is so-called “revenge porn,” where private photos or videos are uploaded by an ex-partner in order to humiliate or shame someone.

AI-generated Porn

One of the latest and perhaps most concerning trend is AI-generated pornography. Far from being an “ethical alternative” to real human performers, artificial intelligence poses serious human rights concerns.

“Amateurs come across better on screen. Our customers feel that. Especially by women; you can see it. They still feel strong pain.”– Carlo Scalisi, Owner of 21 Sexury Video

Porn Use in the United States

What do people think about porn?

Pornography has become increasingly commonplace. However, a hopeful trend is that younger generations are becoming more likely to recognize the harms of pornography.

  • 46% of people believe that porn is harmful.
  • 38% are neutral about porn’s effects.
  • Millennials are the likeliest group to view pornography favorably.
  • Gen Z has a more negative view of pornography.9
  • 41% of teens say they believe watching porn is wrong. 38% do not believe it is wrong.
  • Half of teens say they “feel guilty or ashamed” after watching online porn.10

How many people watch pornography?

Despite the recognition of the negative effects of pornography. The number of people consuming pornography continues to rise.

  • 61% of the general population report viewing pornography.
  • 78% of men watch pornography.
  • 44% of women watch pornography.

How many teens watch porn?

How many Christians watch porn?

  • 54% of practicing Christians watch pornography.
  • 75% of Christian men watch pornography.
  • 40% of Christian women consume pornography.
  • 22% of Christians view pornography at least once a week, compared to 31% of non-Christians who view pornography at least weekly.12

“The young women who talk to me on campuses about the effect of pornography on their intimate lives speak of feeling that they can never measure up, that they can never ask for what they want; and that if they do not offer what porn offers, they cannot expect to hold a guy. The young men talk about what it is like to grow up learning about sex from porn, and how it is not helpful to them in trying to figure out how to be with a real woman…For the first time in human history, the images’ power and allure have supplanted that of real naked women. Today, real naked women are just bad porn.”– Naomi Wolf

Statistics on Pornography and Marriage

“I have also seen in my clinical experience that pornography damages the sexual performance of the viewers. Pornography viewers tend to have problems with premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. Having spent so much time in unnatural sexual experiences with paper, celluloid and cyberspace, they seem to find it difficult to have sex with a real human being. Pornography is raising their expectation and demand for types and amounts of sexual experiences; at the same time it is reducing their ability to experience sex.”– Dr. MaryAnne Layden

When pornography is viewed, couples are twice as likely to separate.1370% of wives of sex addicts could be diagnosed with PTSD.14

Prolonged exposure to pornography leads to:

  • Diminished trust between intimate couples.
  • Belief that promiscuity is the natural state.
  • Lack of attraction to family and child-raising.15

A 2014 study found that compulsive pornography users “had greater impairments of sexual arousal and erectile difficulties in intimate relationships but not with sexually explicit materials.”16

Statistics on Pornography in the Church

“A study at a Christian university found that among Christian students who use por­nography, 43 percent of men and 20 percent of women say their pornography use worsened their relationship with Christ. Further, 20 percent of men and 9 percent of women reported their pornography use caused them to lose interest in spiritual things.”—Sam Black, The Healing Church

  • 67% of pastors have a personal history with porn.
  • 18% of pastors in the United States currently struggle with pornography.17
  • Only 7% of pastors report their church has a ministry program for those struggling with porn.18

References

1 David Cay Johnston, “Indications of a slowdown in the sex entertainment trade,” New York Times, Jan. 4, 2007. Accessed January 3, 2025 at https://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/04/business/media/04porn.html

2 Yahoo! Finance, “Adult Entertainment Global Business Analysis Report 2024-2030 Growth of Subscription-based Models and Premium Content Sustains Revenue, Collaborations Enhance Market Visibility,” Globe Newswire, July 5, 2024. Accessed December 3, 2024 at https://finance.yahoo.com/news/adult-entertainment-global-business-analysis-085000372.html

3 Transparency Market Research, “Adult Entertainment Market.” Accessed December 3, 2024 at https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/adult-entertainment-market.html

4 Katharina Buchholz, “How Much of the Internet Consists of Porn?” Statistia. Accessed December 3, 2024 at https://www.statista.com/chart/16959/share-of-the-internet-that-is-porn#:~:text=Two%20studies%2C%20one%20by%20computational,according%20to%20Ogas%20and%20Gaddam.&text=This%20chart%20shows%20scientific%20estimates,of%20porn%20on%20the%20internet

5 SemRush, “Most Visited Websites in the World, Updated September 2024.” Accessed December 3, 2024 at https://www.semrush.com/website/top/.

6 Laura Ceci, “OnlyFans gross revenue worldwide from 2019-2024,” Statistia, September 17, 2024. Accessed December 3, 2024 at https://www.statista.com/statistics/1334287/onlyfans-gross-revenue/

7 Pure Desire Ministry, Beyond The Porn Phenomenon: Equipping the Church For a New Conversation About Pornography, Betrayal Trauma, and Healing (Ventura, CA: Barna Group, 2024), 25.

8 Business Wire, “Juniper Research: Global Revenue from Adult Virtual Reality Content to Reach $19 Billion by 2026, as Subscription Models Dominate,” August 23,2021. Accessed December 3, 2024 at https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210822005004/en/Juniper-Research-Global-Revenue-from-Adult-Virtual-Reality-Content-to-Reach-19-Billion-by-2026-as-Subscription-Models-Dominate

9 Beyond the Porn Phenomenon, 31.

10 Michael Robb and Supreet Mann, 2022 Teens and Pornography (Common Sense Media, 2022), 17. Accessed at https://www.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/research/report/2022-teens-and-pornography-final-web.pdf

11 2022 Teens and Pornography, 8.

12 Beyond the Porn Phenomenon, 24

13 Perry, S. L., & Schleifer, C. (2017). Till Porn Do Us Part? A Longitudinal Examination of Pornography Use and Divorce. The Journal of Sex Research, 55(3), 284–296. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2017.1317709

15 Barbara A. Steffens and Robyn L. Rennie, “The traumatic nature of disclosure for wives of sexual addicts,” Sexual Addiction &Compulsivity 13 (2006): 247–267.

15 Judith Reisman, Jeffrey Sanitover, Mary Anne Layden, and James B. Weaver, “Hearing on the brain science behind pornography addiction and the effects of addiction on families and communities,” Hearing to U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation, Nov. 18, 2004. Accessed December 3, 2024 at https://www.templateroller.com/template/2083892/testimony-dr-judith-reisman-hearing-on-the-brain-science-behind-pornography-addiction-and-the-effects-of-addiction-on-families-and-communities.html.

16 Valerie Voon, Thomas B. Mole, Paula Banca, Laura Porter, Laurel Morris, Simon Mitchell, Tatyana Lapa, Judy Karr, Neil A. Harrison, Marc N. Potenza, Michael Irvine, “Neural Correlates of Sexual Cue Reactivity in Individuals with and without Compulsive Sexual Behaviours.” PLoS One 9(7): e102419 (July 11, 2014); Daisy J. Mechelmans, Michael Irvine, Paula Banca, Laura Porter, Simon Mitchell, Tom B. Mole, Tatyana Lapa, Neil A. Harrison, Marc N. Potenza, Valerie Voon, “Enhanced Attentional Bias towards Sexually Explicit Cues in Individuals with and without Compulsive Sexual Behaviours,” PLoS One 9(8): e105476 (August 25, 2014)

17 Beyond the Porn Phenomenon, 46.

18 Sam Black, The Healing Church: What Churches Get Wrong About Pornography
and How to Fix It (New York: Morgan James Publishing, 2023), 8.

By

Irrevocable

Originally posted at: http://www.theresstillhope.org

If you don’t hear anything else today, hear this – your addiction has not moved you beyond the reach and blessing of God. There is nothing you can do to invalidate God’s capacity to use you in a profound way.

Paul was unequivocal: “God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29).

“He [Jesus] told the man who had been demon-possessed, ‘Return home and tell how much God has done for you.’ So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him” (Luke 8:39).

Reflecting on this passage, Tracie Miles writes, “The man’s story became a testimony when he was willing to share it with others. How many people believed in Jesus and are now spending eternity with him simply because this former demon-possessed man willingly allowed his terrible past to become a story of redemption and purpose?”

Recovery Step: Allow God to turn your setback into a set-up for something spectacular.

By

Rethinking Relationships: Embracing Individuality

Originally posted at: https://theonlinetherapist.blog/rethinking-relationships-embracing-individuality/

We have relationships all wrong. That’s not our fault entirely as our view often comes from parents and society in general who tell us the way things should go. The somewhat old fashioned way of meeting the “one”, spending your life together, having children and slowly plodding towards retirement, is now largely assigned to history. Still, that view still acts as a benchmark for a lot of people. Today, we have more emphasis on other types of relationship and with that, new challenges to face. Yet, some things never really change.

Commentators on relationships (including therapists) often get hung up on what we might need from our partner in a relationship. What needs do we wish to have met? What do we need from them when conflict inevitably comes? Are they on the same page as us? While these questions are important and in some way, need to be answered, they are only part of the story. What’s becoming clear is that these questions can be adapted to show more individuality. What needs can I meet myself? What is going on inside of me when conflict happens? Am I capable of being on the same page as this person? These questions will be answered by referring to our personal and relationship values and they should be different. 

The quantity ( and quality) of advice available regarding the characteristics of a successful relationship is insurmountable. The opinions of individuals will vary depending on their personal experiences and relationships. We establish a distinct dynamic with each individual we choose to pursue, but certain aspects remain consistent and transfer from one relationship to another. This encompasses our perpetual capacity to submerge ourselves and, in effect, relinquish our identity in favour of the “one.”

We are not even discussing codependency, which, as we are all aware, is a complex situation in and of itself. Codependents will inadvertently disregard their own interests and conform to their partner’s expectations. This pursuit of control for their own security typically results in a relationship with emotionally and physically distant, abusive, and manipulative individuals who have their own agenda. Codependents perceive this as a challenge, mistakenly believing that they will be successful if they can “fix” this individual. It is never functional.

The majority of us will become captivated by a new partner during the hormone-driven early phases of a relationship. This is the typical process of attraction, during which inhibitions are removed and the chemical composition of our brains is altered. We have all encountered the sensation that our world appears significantly more favorable than it did before our encounter with this new individual. Nevertheless, as we are all aware, the honeymoon period will inevitably conclude, and we will be left to confront the genuine individual. This does not necessarily have to be detrimental; however, it will be distinct and necessitate modification in order for the partnership to progress. This is the phase of reflection during which we determine whether to remain (and the steps necessary to achieve that) or depart.

This is a challenging period for a newly formed couple, and the solution is not as straightforward as we might wish. The conventional honeymoon phase is highly addictive, and we are inclined to prolong it, even as we lament its conclusion. The “real” person emerges, and we are abruptly confronted with routine, devoid of any surprises. In the face of these circumstances, how does one maintain a relationship? It necessitates diligent effort and frequent dialogue to find the most effective course of action (if any). Some individuals at this stage will attempt to replicate the honeymoon phase with others in order to preserve this euphoric sensation. The majority of individuals will transition to the next phase and promptly adjust to new circumstances, despite their lack of preparation.

I believe that one of the most significant factors in any successful relationship is the actions we take during our time together, as well as the actions we take when we are not with them. Society and tradition dictate that we must devote ourselves entirely to our companion; yet, this is not sustainable. It is imperative that we preserve something for ourselves. This is the perspective that I prefer: View your relationship as a series of three circles. There are three circles in a relationship: one for you, where you spend quality time with yourself or companions, pursuing your individuality, one for your partner, who does the same, and a third circle for the shared experience of quality time.

While it is true that individuality is crucial in a relationship, many of us sacrifice it to enter the other person’s orbit. While initiating a relationship, I have encountered individuals who relinquish all of their personal values and adopt the behaviors of their new partner. In a recent article, I stated that the sole inquiry that should be asked during initial encounters is, “What do you do for yourself, and how do you work on yourself?”

The concept of self-discovery is often challenging when we are taught and conditioned to believe that the rewards of a relationship will be obtained through our sacrifice and denial of this. It is a process that we must adhere to, and it often entails gaining insight into our thoughts and emotions, altering our habits and behaviors, and establishing personal values. A logical inquiry to start this process is: “What have I been denying myself?” Certainly, this inquiry can be addressed in a variety of ways; yet, it is most effective when it serves as the beginning of a dialogue with oneself about the sacrifices made to satisfy or govern oneself. It is crucial to emphasise that this individual focus is beneficial and is not linked to selfishness or narcissism. Stephen Covey often stated that an ideal relationship is formed by two individuals who are well-balanced and create a unique space for the relationship while maintaining their personal objectives and aspirations. I wholeheartedly concur with this.

At its core, rethinking relationships means embracing the beauty of individuality—both our own and that of our partners. True connection doesn’t come from losing ourselves in another person but from standing confidently beside them, growing independently while sharing our journey. By fostering self-awareness, open communication, and mutual respect, we create relationships that thrive not on dependence, but on appreciation. The healthiest love is one that allows us to be fully ourselves while celebrating the uniqueness of those we choose to share our lives with.