Overall participants reported being sexually satisfied on balance (the average level of satisfaction was 4.65 on a scale ranging from 1 to 7); however, satisfaction was strongly correlated with frequency of sexual activity (r = .57, p <.001), which tells us that the people who had sex most often were the most satisfied. This is not particularly surprising and is consistent with published research [1].

Participants were also asked how frequently they viewed Internet pornography. On average, participants reported watching it 3.2 times per week (with a range of 0 to 28). However, men watched is significantly more than women (4.8 times vs. 1.9 times, respectively; t(209)=5.78, p<.001), consistent with other research [2]. Interestingly, despite frequent claims that exposure to online pornography is linked to sexual problems, there was no correlation between amount of pornography exposure and sexual satisfaction (r = -.062, p =.369). Porn watching was not related to frequency of sexual activity either (r = -.011, p =.871). Thus, at least in this sample, a high frequency of pornography exposure was not linked to lower quantity or quality of sex.

Of course, given the non-representative nature of this sample, we must be very cautious in attempting to generalize the findings. The results should also not be taken to mean that pornography exposure is perfectly healthy for everyone. For example, among persons who use online porn compulsively and are accessing hundreds of videos and images per day, such activity may be supplanting their sex life and creating relationship problems.

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[1] Young, M., Denny, G., Luquis, R., & Young, T. (1998). Correlates of sexual satisfaction in marriage. Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 7, 115-127.

[2] Stack, S., Wasserman, I., & Kern, R. (2004). Adult social bonds and use of internet pornography. Social Science Quarterly, 85, 75-88.

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