If there's any proof of how content can alter behaviour, porn is the ideal example. In so many ways, porn has trained us what to say and do in bed, to the point where we wonder what people were doing in bed before the prevalence of porn. Some of us know how to separate fact from fiction. But to truly achieve such enlightenment, we must filter out fantasy from reality. So let's bust some myths!
1. Porn is Meant for Deviants
Absolutely NOT! Many 'normal' people enjoy porn. Did you know that Pornhub, at its peak, accounted for a third of the world's internet traffic on its own? Also, let's not forget that masturbation is one of the safest ways to enjoy sex! Watching porn is not inherently dangerous as long as you can distinguish between sex in a staged scene and sex IRL. Let's also not forget that there are realms beyond mainstream porn. If you have never related to the fantasies and unrealistic plasticity of mainstream porn, many feminist porn directors are attempting to challenge the dominant porn narrative. Much like any other medium, there's much variety in porn. By the way, it's also a myth that only men enjoy porn!
2. The World is Teeming with Massive Sexual Organs
As you might have noticed, most pornstars have big breasts and big penises, and sometimes both! However, most people in the porn industry get these done with cosmetic surgery. Also, keep in mind that the average penis is around 5.5 inches long, so don't fret. Allowing porn to set your expectations high is akin to allowing an Aaron Sorkin movie to set your expectations high about general human intelligence.
3. Everyone Loves Porn Fantasies
Porn can be full of unrealistic dirty talk, men calling women horrible names and women responding gratefully to verbal abuse. Also, porn plays out many fantasies, but not everyone in real life enjoys being handcuffed to the bed or spanked. If you are thinking of re-enacting porn scenes in real life, be sure your partner likes it too.
4. Real Life Orgasms are Like Porn Orgasms
Porn can be full of over-the-top (verging on ludicrous) acting. All too often, a super attractive female actress instantly achieves a mid-blowing orgasm because a male porn actor squeezes her breast. Or female porn actress screams at the top of her lungs as she orgasms to prove how outstanding and powerful said porn actor's "technique" is. Fact is that none of these representations really happen IRL. Not every woman screams, "OH GOD, OH, YOU'RE SO GOOD!" every time she cums. Porn inherently tries to deliver a "feel-good experience" for male viewers and definitely will take an "artistic license" to achieve that goal!
Written by Rheea
