Pornography has been one of the hotbed topics of controversy for years, with debates surrounding its influence on society and the effects it has on the human system. Whereas most people feel that the main users of porn are men, recent studies have actually claimed that a significant portion of the audience are women. In fact, according to a 2018 study by the very famous porn site PornHub, women make up 24% of their global audience. That may be a surprise to many, but there exist even more surprising revelations concerning women and their preference, habits while consuming porn. This paper will look at five surprising facts about women’s porn preferences.
1. Women Prefer Different Types of Porn Than Men
Contrary to the common misconception, men and women have different tastes and desires when it comes to pornography. While men tend to prefer visual stimulation and explicit content, women are more likely to look for emotional and romantic content. A study by Canadian researchers found that women are more interested in porn that focuses on relationships, intimacy, and emotional connection rather than just physical acts (Park, 2016). This suggests that women’s sexual desires are more complex and nuanced than previously thought.
One possible explanation for this difference is that society has traditionally placed a greater emphasis on men’s sexual pleasure, leaving women’s desires and needs overlooked. As a result, women may turn to pornography that emphasizes emotional connection and intimacy as a way to fulfill their own desires and needs. Additionally, the societal stigma surrounding women’s sexuality may make women more likely to seek out pornography that aligns with societal norms and expectations.
2. Women Enjoy Watching Porn With Their Partners
Another surprising fact about women’s porn preferences is that they are more likely to watch it with their partners than men. A survey by Cosmopolitan found that 71% of women have watched porn with their partner, and 76% of those women enjoyed the experience (Freimuth, 2018). This suggests that women are more open-minded and comfortable with their sexuality, and are willing to explore it with their partners.
This finding challenges the common stereotype of women being shy or secretive about their porn consumption. Instead, it highlights the importance of open and honest communication in sexual relationships. Watching porn together can be a way for couples to explore their desires and fantasies, and to deepen their emotional connection.
3. Women Prefer Amateur Porn Over Professional Porn
Another surprising fact about women’s porn preferences is that they are more likely to watch amateur porn than professionally produced content. A study by the University of Montreal found that women preferred amateur porn because it felt more authentic and realistic. This could be because amateur porn often features real couples and real emotions, which aligns with women’s preference for emotional and relational content.
4. Women Are More Likely to Watch Porn for Pleasure Than Men
Historically, men have been portrayed as the primary consumers of pornography, with their motivations being solely based on sexual arousal. However, a study by the Journal of Sex Research (2019) found that women are more likely to watch porn for reasons beyond sexual gratification. These reasons include curiosity, exploration, self-pleasure, and relaxation. This suggests that women’s motivations for watching porn are multifaceted and not solely based on sexual satisfaction.
Moreover, women are more likely to watch porn with a partner as a form of entertainment and sexual exploration. According to a study conducted by Pornhub (2020), the search term “for her” has seen a significant increase in recent years. This term refers to pornographic content produced specifically for women and couples. This finding challenges the stereotype that women’s consumption of porn is a solitary and shameful act.
5. Women Prefer Porn That Empowers and Represents Them
The porn industry has long been criticized for its objectification of women and perpetuation of harmful stereotypes. However, women are now actively seeking out porn that promotes female pleasure, consent, and diversity in body types and sexual orientations. A study by the University of California (2018) found that women are more likely to watch feminist porn, which challenges the traditional norms of the male gaze and focuses on authentic sexual experiences and female pleasure.
Feminist porn prioritizes consent, communication, and authenticity. It often features diverse cast members, including women of color, queer women, and women of different body types. This diversity is essential, as it challenges the traditional beauty standards and representations of women in mainstream porn. Furthermore, feminist porn often features storylines that focus on female pleasure and agency, which is a stark contrast to traditional porn that often portrays women as passive objects of desire.
Conclusion: Porn preference in women is not what most people think or believe it to be. No longer can they be viewed as a passive porn consumer; women have their desires, motivations, and values for the consumption of pornography. With the porn industry growing further, realizing and meeting diversified preference is very important. It is not only giving better representation and empowerment to women, but also fosters a healthy and inclusive view of sexuality in society.
