Pornography distorts people's concept of relationships, which leads to altered sexual attitudes and behavior. That's the finding of a study released today by Citizens for Community Values and the Family Research Council.
"The Effects of Pornography on Individuals, Marriage, Family and Community" considered a broad spectrum of research. It found addiction to pornographic materials undermines marriage, which in turn, undermines social stability.
The findings include:- Men who view pornography regularly have a higher tolerance for abnormal sexuality, including rape, sexual aggression and sexual promiscuity.
- Married men who are involved in pornography are less emotionally attached to their wives. Wives notice and are upset by the difference.
- Sexually oriented businesses harm the community and lead to increases in crime and decreases in property values.
- Pornography degrades an affectionate family life, which is the best environment for raising happy, healthy children.
Pat Fagan, senior fellow at the Family Research Council, said children who are affected are likely to continue the pattern.
"If the children realize their father is using pornography," he said, "that has a massive deleterious effect on the child's notion of sexual fidelity in the family and of what marriage is all about."
Phil Burress, president of Citizens for Community Values, pointed out that the study also links pornography with other destructive forces in the community.
"Child sex offenders are more likely to view porn regularly," he said, "or to be involved in its distribution."
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Read the study results.
