Overall Interactivity in Online Pornography Use in an Adult German Online Population

Research output: Contribution to journal › Research article › Contributed › peer-review

Contributors

  • Christoph Schwarzbach - , Chemnitz University of Technology (Author)
  • Sophie Helene Lux - , Chemnitz University of Technology (Author)
  • Sören Kuitunen-Paul - , Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Chemnitz University of Technology (Author)
  • Stephan Mühlig - , Chemnitz University of Technology (Author)

Abstract

Objective: Online pornography use (OPU) is a prevalent behavior that can lead to problematic pornography use (PPU) in up to 4 % of the adult population. According to the current models on addiction, reinforcing characteristics of addictive behaviors, e. g., online gaming or social network use, may increase the risk of developing a behavioral addiction. Previous studies, however, neglected the general level of interactivity of use (LIU) in OPU as a reinforcing factor when testing for associations between OPU characteristics and PPU. Methods: In a cross-sectional online survey of German-speaking adults aged 18–71, self-report questionnaires on current frequency and duration of OPU, LIU, as well as PPU were administered. N = 818 OP users were analyzed using a linear regression framework, including mediation analysis. Results: LIU was associated each with OPU frequency, OPU duration, and the PPU score (all p < .001). Furthermore, LIU mediated the association between OPU frequency and PPU (p < .001, R 2 = .116) as well as the association between OPU duration and PPU (p < .001, R 2 = .165). Discussion: The results provide initial evidence of relationships between the interactive OPU and PPU. Future studies should further differentiate between interactive and passive forms of use. Open questions remain regarding possible causal directions and the replicability of these findings.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)255–265
Number of pages11
JournalSucht
Volume71
Issue number4
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2025
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Mendeley 31a1283a-86bb-397c-994f-00f6c33c5ccb
Scopus 105053394037

Keywords

Keywords

  • addiction, pornography use, online interaction, sexual behavior