Pornography, often called "porn" or "porno," is sexually explicit material, including images, videos, text, or audio, created to cause sexual arousal. Its depictions have evolved from ancient art, like cave paintings dating back approximately 40,000 years, to modern virtual reality. The word "pornography" originates from the Greek words "porni" (prostitute) and "graphein" (to write), initially referring to writings about prostitutes. The term later expanded to include various forms of "objectionable or obscene material".
Pornography consumption is widespread, with an estimated 2.5 million people visiting major porn sites every minute in 2024. Approximately 40 million users in the United States regularly consume porn. While men are more likely to report past-month pornography use, there has been a notable increase in consumption among women. Studies suggest potential links between pornography use and various effects, ranging from addiction-related brain changes to impacts on relationship satisfaction and sexual behavior. Researchers have found that excessive pornography use can affect the brain's reward system, potentially weakening natural pleasure responses and reinforcing compulsive behavior.
