Pornography in the current digital technology environment: An overview of a special issue on pornography

Abstract

Pornography use is a prevalent behavior that involves individual differences in types and patterns of consumption and potential positive and negative impacts. From an individual and public health perspective, identifying possible harms associated with specific types and patterns of pornography use in specific individuals (and groups and subgroups of individuals) is of particular relevance. Given changes linked to technological advancements, pornographic material is readily accessible via the internet. As such, it is important to understand how pornography use in the current environment may be impacting individuals. This article describes the contents of a special issue focusing on pornography and places the findings within the context of the larger literature and a personal and public health framework.