The good, the bad, the ugly: positive and negative effects of pornography in Irish males

Abstract

This quantitative study investigated the effect of pornography in the perpetuation of sexism towards women on a sample of Irish heterosexual males (N=157). It examined three variables relating to pornographic consumption: age of first exposure; frequency of usage; and type of pornography viewed by the sample. An online questionnaire was disseminated which included the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (ASI), used to measure levels of hostile and benevolent sexism. The respondent’s self-perceived effects, both positive and negative, of pornography were analysed through implementation of the Pornography Consumption Effect Scale (PCES). Results showed that while overall sexism scores did not differ significantly, higher hostile sexism scores were obtained from those who viewed pornography more frequently and those who viewed more atypical pornography over traditional pornography. Despite this, participants reported higher positive than negative effects of consumption. Results verify the impact that pornography can have on a social and on an individual level.