The Realities of Pornography Use Today

Pornography is now more readily available and consumed by a larger audience than ever before. Here are some of the latest trends from Barna’s newest study of pornography use, Beyond the Porn Phenomenon, produced in partnership with Pure Desire Ministries.

Porn use remains a growing problem.
Since Barna’s 2015 study The Porn Phenomenon, the number of U.S. adults consuming pornography has continued to rise, with a 6-percentage point increase (from 55% in 2015 to 61% presently). There is also a notable uptick in the number of women accessing pornographic content (39% then vs. 44% now).

Porn use is often a silent habit done in isolation.
Despite its widespread nature, the vast majority of porn users (84%) say no one is helping them avoid pornography, and half say no one knows about their habit.

Christians are not immune to the pervasive influence of pornography.
Just over half of practicing Christians report consuming porn with some level of frequency, including 22 percent who view it weekly (15%) or daily (7%). Though numbers climb among nonpracticing Christians and non-Christians, the reality is that a slight majority of all Christians has some sort of history of engaging with pornographic material.

The effects of pornography are far-reaching.
Barna data reveals that porn users often experience lower mental health and overall well-being, along with feelings of guilt, shame and isolation. Porn use also significantly impacts relationships and trust, even within marriages.

Many congregants want their church to address pornography.
Just 10 percent of U.S. Christians and churched adults say their church offers programming to help those struggling with pornography. Meanwhile, over half (58%) say it’s important to them that their church is addressing topics like pornography.

Though the Church hasn’t always gotten it right in its response to matters surrounding pornography and sexuality, today can mark the start of a new path forward. Churches have a unique opportunity to address this issue and offer hope and healing to those struggling with porn use, as well as those affected by another’s porn use.

Beyond the Porn Phenomenon includes more data and insights, as well as practical strategies and expert Q&As to help you make a difference.