Pornography has become an integral part of modern society. The normalization of pornography has made it difficult for people to distinguish between fantasy and reality, leading to unrealistic expectations and a distorted view of sexuality. As erotica writers, it’s important to recognize the potential harm porn can cause in order to avoid these pitfalls. In this article, we’ll address the 5 biggest lies spread by pornography and how they harm consumers.

Lie #1: Size does matter.

The average size of a penis in porn is far above the actual average size. While a normal penis is between 10.7 and 19 centimeters long according to current studies and has an average length of just 13.12 centimeters, the penis size of a porn actor should be at least 20 centimeters, and in order to attract attention, even significantly more. This raises unrealistic expectations in men and women and leads to feelings of inadequacy and shame. Men whose limbs are above normal size may feel emasculated and develop a negative self-image. Women, in turn, can feel disappointed in their partners’ size, leading to sexual dissatisfaction and relationship problems.

Lie #2: Women enjoy all forms of sex.

In pornography, women are often portrayed as if they are always ready and willing to have sex, regardless of the type or intensity. However, this is far from the truth. Women have different preferences, interests, and boundaries when it comes to sex. When pornography portrays women as always wanting sex, it can lead to the normalization of non-consensual sexual acts like rape and can be incredibly damaging to victims.

Lie #3: Pornography is a realistic portrayal of sex.

Pornography is anything but a realistic portrayal of sex. Pornography is primarily a form of entertainment and a commercial product. The performers often act according to a script and follow certain staging guidelines. The actions and reactions shown are often highly exaggerated and not representative of the actual sexual experiences of most people. Many porn scenes show a lack of communication and consent between partners, which is not the realistic basis for a healthy sexual relationship. In reality, communication about desires, boundaries, and consent is critical to positive sexual experience.
In order to maintain the required continuous erection, people often resort to aids such as Viagra or injections, of which the viewer is of course unaware.

Lie No. 4: Pornography is healthy and safe

Pornography can be consumed in moderation, but it can also be highly addictive. Many people struggle with porn addiction and can spend hours watching porn, which negatively impacts their social lives, studies, and work. People who are addicted to pornography can also become desensitized to sexual stimuli, resulting in an inability to enjoy intimate encounters. Excessive porn consumption also desensitizes the sense of empathy, leading to a lack of compassion and concern for the actors involved in the production of porn.

Lie #5: Pornography is a male domain.

It is a common misconception that only men watch porn. In reality, women also consume porn, but are often ashamed to admit it. It is believed that more than 30% of women now watch porn at least once a month. Pornography consumption can affect body image and self-esteem. Some women may compare themselves to the often unrealistic beauty ideals and body types in porn and feel pressured as a result. For some women, pornography can be a form of sexual education or enlightenment. Overall, it is noticeable that the porn market continues to diversify and more and more women are entering the directing field to produce films that go beyond the common stereotypes.

As erotica authors, we need to recognize the dangers of pornography and its impact on individuals and society as a whole. Pornography creates unrealistic expectations of sex and promotes harmful behaviors and attitudes toward sex. It is important that we use our platform as erotica authors to educate people about the harmful effects of pornography and describe healthy and realistic sex practices. We need to understand that in this day and age, many people have pornography at their fingertips as their only guide to sex, so we have a certain responsibility. By recognizing the effects of pornography and entertaining our readers with more realistic stories, we can contribute to a healthier, safer, and more fulfilling attitude toward sex.