Are there any benefits to watching porn? I spoke to a sex coach to find out

Once deemed taboo and shameful, porn is experiencing somewhat of a resurgence. As Normal’s Big Sex Survey 2022 found, free video porn is accessed widely across generations, warranting a revisit of the divisive topic. Is it good? Is it evil? Or is it somewhere in between?

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Conversations are progressing and the traditional ‘dirty porn’ framing is falling away. In fact, we’re now discussing the potential benefits of porn consumption – a far cry from the messaging I received growing up. In light of these survey results, I spoke with Normal’s certified in-house sex coach, Georgia Grace, to understand the full picture.

Can porn really be purposeful?

Firstly, as Georgia reiterates throughout our conversation, the benefits of pornography are only achieved when it’s consumed mindfully. When “everyone involved realises that it is there to entertain… [not] to educate, porn can be an incredibly useful tool” she says.

This usefulness is particularly relevant in queer communities, where pornography is a positive access point, building a gateway to explore confidence, desires and sexuality. Those surveyed identifying as LGBTQIA+ are two times more likely to say that porn offered ‘confidence and inspiration to try new things’ (including 56 per cent of gay men and 41 per cent of bisexual respondents).

In a similar vein, porn – depending on the kind you watch – can show a range of bodies, giving diversity the chance to take centre stage. It steps away from traditional hetero love stories in films and movies. As Georgia says, “[It] allows for the access to see different kinds of bodies [and] different ways of having sex beyond what we would typically see.”

Regardless of sexual preferences, porn can help identify your sexual curiosities. “It can show you what it feels like to build arousal in your body. It can give you a sense of different ways of having sex, and it’s fun – it’s arousing, and it can make you orgasm.” In a relationship setting, watching porn together or using it as a conversation starter to explore can be greatly beneficial. It’s enjoyable and a chance to talk and test and feel good, whether on your own or with someone else.

Interestingly, the benefits seem to outweigh the negatives. While 27 per cent of Gen Z respondents and 29 per cent of millennials note porn gave them the confidence to explore new things (25 per cent and 24 per cent, respectively, said it gave them the confidence to share preferences and desires with their partners), only 15 per cent said porn made them less confident in their abilities.

Turning to ethical porn

Although free video porn is still the most commonly used (according to 40 per cent of respondents), the survey shows promise for ethical porn (16 per cent) and other mediums like TV (like Bridgerton and Sex/Life), movies (23 per cent) and written erotica (15 per cent).

“Ethical porn is an umbrella term that looks at the ethics involved in porn from the beginning to end, from filming it to distribution,” Georgia tells me. This includes aspects like fair pay, age (i.e. consenting adults),  and safe and consensual working conditions. Ethical porn typically displays greater diversity and focuses on pleasure among a whole range of sexualities.

Also termed ‘feminist porn’, this is the kind of content Georgia recommends. It’s a way to consciously consume porn while avoiding exploitation and maximising the opportunity for exploration. “With this whole new wave of these amazing directors and producers and actors coming through, they’re filling the gap and giving really great-quality films.”

Most online ethical porn sites include a mission statement, making it simpler to find an offering that best fits your standards and expectations. As a starting point, try Dipsea (an option I highly recommend) or an Erika Lust-directed film. A helpful note: a great way to identify ethical porn is if you can see who the director or producer is. Do your research and find the avenue that suits your desires.

It’s exciting to have options, and thrilling to explore sex in a non-exploitative way. “As with all things sex, if there is consent and agreement and everyone feels comfortable, everyone’s free to leave whenever they want and everyone’s an adult, then you can do whatever you want. You can create a sex life that feels great for you.” I’m convinced, are you?

For more on ethical porn, head here.