In today’s digital age, the internet offers a wealth of knowledge, entertainment, and opportunities for growth. But, like any powerful tool, it has its dangers—one of the most pervasive being the easy accessibility of pornography. For many young people, exposure to sexually explicit material occurs earlier than ever before, often accidentally, and the consequences of this early exposure can be profound.
Pornography fantasy among adolescents
Early exposure to pornography shapes young minds in ways that warp reality—what they see on the screen becomes a false blueprint for real intimacy, leaving them ill-equipped for genuine human connection.
Dr Prerna Kohli is the founder of MindTribe and the first clinical psychologist to be awarded by the Hon. President of India. She explains, “Early exposure can blur an individual’s understanding of consent, as many portrayals in pornography neglect the importance of mutual agreement, respect, and communication.
Brain Plasticity and Conditioning: Adolescents’ brains are highly plastic, meaning experiences easily shape them. “Pornography can condition them to respond more intensely to artificial stimuli, making it difficult to achieve similar arousal or satisfaction in real-world emotional relationships.
Pornography can objectify partners, focusing primarily on physical gratification and ignoring the emotional and psychological dimensions of intimacy. This can cause individuals to view their partners as objects of pleasure rather than as whole, complex human beings. Adds Dr Kohli.
Unrealistic expectations: “Adolescence is one such period where relationships, intimacy and sexuality become prevalent themes. Adolescents seem to explore and are curious to know more about it. These youngsters often talk about the porn subject inquisitively to their peers, which leads to false comparisons, the cycle of misinformation and increased pressure to conform to distorted sexual norms, exacerbating the adverse effects of early exposure. This pressure can also lead to feelings of anxiety, shame, or even risky behaviours as they try to keep up with perceived norms within their social circles.
Early exposures can also lead to skewed perceptions and pave the way for unrealistic standards, body image issues, dissatisfaction, an emphasis on the physical aspects of relationships, and neglect of emotional connection and communication, which are essential for healthy relationships,” says Dr Roma Kumar, founder president psychologist at Saksham Child and Adolescent Guidance Clinic.
Distorted Views on Consent and Gender Roles
Pornography frequently features scenarios where power dynamics are exaggerated. Children and teenagers who consume pornography may begin to see aggressive or non-consensual acts as part of a normal sexual encounter. This not only distorts their understanding of consent but also perpetuates harmful gender stereotypes, where men are portrayed as dominant and women as passive or submissive. It can also confuse consent, making it difficult for them to recognise what a healthy, consensual relationship looks like.
The Erosion of Emotional Connection
Sexuality and intimacy are not solely physical; they are deeply rooted in emotional connection and communication. Early exposure to pornography, which often reduces sex to a series of physical acts, can erode a young person’s ability to understand and value the emotional aspects of intimacy.
“When the focus is solely on the physical, the emotional elements that form the basis of strong, lasting relationships can be neglected,” Dr Kohli explains. Young people may begin to view relationships through a transactional lens, where sex becomes the end goal rather than a part of a holistic emotional bond.
While both men and women can develop pornography addiction, men are statistically more likely to be affected, and their use often starts in early adolescence. The shift to addiction generally occurs in the late teens or early twenties, driven by neurobiological factors and emotional needs. Understanding these differences can help tailor interventions and therapies for those struggling with pornography addiction.
Sex Education Gaps: Parents, educators, and mental health practitioners must work together to provide young people with the tools to navigate their sexual development in a way that promotes emotional well-being, respect, and mutual understanding in their relationships.
Age-appropriate conversations that explain the difference between genuine relationships and what is portrayed in pornography are crucial. Education must start early, with open dialogue about consent, respect, and emotional connection. “In addition to parental guidance, schools and communities can play a role by incorporating comprehensive sex education that goes beyond the biological aspects of sex to address emotional, relational, and ethical dimensions,” explains Dr Kumar.
“Comprehensive sex education programmes should address topics like consent, emotional intimacy, and the differences between pornography and healthy, real-life relationships,” says Dr Kohli.
