A recent study published in Addictive Behaviors Reports suggests that people may use pornography to cope with loneliness and its associated unpleasant emotions, leading to its problematic use. The study explores the relationship between problematic pornography use, loneliness, emotional regulation, and online interactions.

Problematic pornography use is defined as excessive or compulsive consumption that users cannot control despite negative consequences leading to further low self-esteem, reduced productivity, anxiety, and decreased sexual satisfaction. This behavior shares similarities with other addictive behaviors.

The researchers recruited 213 participants ages 18 to 79 through social media platforms. Participants completed a survey assessing problematic pornography use, loneliness, emotional regulation difficulties, and specific pornography use behaviors.

The study found that higher levels of loneliness were associated with increased problematic pornography use. Additionally, difficulties in emotional regulation were positively linked to further problematic use, with emotional regulation issues mediating the relationship between loneliness and problematic pornography use. This suggests loneliness leads to problematic use primarily through its impact on emotional regulation.

Interestingly, interacting with pornographic content creators was associated with lower levels of problematic use, but this interaction did not significantly affect the relationship between loneliness and emotional regulation difficulties. While engagement with content creators might mitigate problematic use, it does not directly address emotional regulation issues related to loneliness.

“We were surprised to find that interacting with content creators was associated with less problematic pornography use,” said author, Mal Flack. “However, interacting with content creators did not appear to protect against feelings of loneliness or emotional regulation issues. We are continuing to work on our understanding of the ways in which people interact with content creators to better understand how it may influence problematic pornography use.”

It may be easier said then done but turn off the that internet junk food and go out and meet people, talk to strangers, and get involved. Being lonely at home and relying on the internet only leads to further deterioration of your loneliness.

M Vescan et al. Loneliness and problematic pornography Use: What is the role of emotion regulation and interaction with content Creators?. Addictive Behaviors Reports (2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.abrep.2024.100550