Media Releases
One in ten people may experience problematic pornography use, meta-analysis of global studies suggests
Media Releases
In a recent study, the prevalence rate of problematic pornography use (PPU) was found to be higher than other forms of behavioural addictions such as gambling disorder and social media addiction. The study used meta-analysis (a research method that combines results from many different studies to produce a more reliable overall finding) to provide a clearer picture of PPU’s prevalence in the general population.
A recent study, titled Prevalence of problematic pornography use: a meta-analysis, has combined data from multiple studies across the world to clarify how common problematic pornography use is worldwide.
By analysing data from 22 studies involving more than 30,000 participants across 11 countries across Europe, Asia, North America and Australia, researchers have produced a combined global estimate of how widespread problematic pornography use (PPU) may be. The comprehensive search was conducted on the databases ProQuest, PsycArticles, and PubMed from inception (2017) to October 2024.
“This is the first time prevalence data on PPU has been statistically combined to produce a global estimate,” said lead researcher Associate Professor Peter Chew, Associate Professor in Psychology at the Singapore campus of James Cook University (JCU in Singapore).
The findings found that problematic pornography use (PPU) had an overall pooled prevalence rate of 13%, suggesting that around one in ten people may experience problematic pornography use. This rate is higher than several otherforms of behavioural addictions, which ranged from 1.29% for gambling disorder to 5.00% for social media addiction.
“Currently, PPU is subsumed under compulsive sexual behaviour disorder in the International Classifications of Diseases, 11th editionand there are no official diagnostic criteria for PPU as a standalone condition,” said Dr Yow Yong Jie, Lecturer in Psychology at JCU in Singapore.
The region of the study significantly moderated the prevalence rates. Asia had the highest prevalence rate (19.00%), followed by Europe (11.00%), North America (7.00%), and Australia (5.00%). This was consistent with a review that has found cross-cultural differences in the prevalence rates of PPU.The high prevalence rate in Asia could ironically be due to its relatively conservative cultures, where pornography is often considered taboo or even illegal (e.g. Malaysia). The prohibition of pornography results in scarcity, increasing its perceived value. In turn, this increases the consumption rate of pornography among the population, increasing their risk for PPU.
Overall, the relatively high prevalence rate suggests that PPU is an important public health issue that warrants greater attention, continued research and informed public discussion. Government funding and resources could be allocated to inform prevention and intervention efforts,” adds Associate Professor Chew.
PAPER
Chew PKH et al. (2025) Prevalence of problematic pornography use: a meta-analysis. Sexual Health 22, SH25054. doi:10.1071/SH25054
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Contacts
Associate Professor Peter Chew peter.chew@jcu.edu.au
Media: Ms Pinky Sibal pinky.sibal@jcu.edu.au / Ms Hoe Shu Rin shurin.hoe@jcu.edu.au