Pornography is defined as printed or visual material containing the explicit description or display of sexual organs or activity, intended to stimulate erotic (rather than aesthetic or emotional) feelings. Though pornography is most popular in the visual form, printed material is just as degrading and harmful- and men aren’t the only ones struggling with this type of addiction.

 Pornography is a growing trend among women. Of the online porn viewers, 72 percent are men and 28 percent are women. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, the number of women who view porn online has quadrupled in the last three years. 

 Not only are those numbers increasing, but the number of women who access pornography in print form, such as explicit romance novels, is increasing as well.

 Women naturally have a desire for emotional connection and literature can fulfill that in ways that visual pornography cannot. Although different, the two forms act in the same way: arousal of the reader over and over to a point that the intake must be increased for the same stimulation (quickly turning into an addiction.) 

 Because pornography and sexual addiction are often regarded as a man’s habit, it can be intimidating for women to admit their addiction. Surprisingly, women’s addiction to pornography is silent and widespread. In fact, 70 percent of women admit to keeping their steamy online activities a secret. 

 Men and women may suffer from their addictions in different ways, but they are equally affected by their actions. When women regularly view or read pornography, they suffer from depression and a low self-esteem. There are support groups available for women struggling with this addiction.

Net Nanny provides software to help avoid online temptations and block websites. For more information about the effects of pornography, visit www.netnanny.com/blog/.