A new study has revealed that problematic pornography use tends to remain stable over time and is strongly associated with mental distress, reshaping the way health experts and policymakers perceive the issue and its impact, including in Thailand’s increasingly digital society. The findings bring attention to the ongoing debate about the effects of online pornography, especially its potentially serious implications on mental health, societal well-being, and youth development.
The report, as summarised in PsyPost, highlights that while rates of problematic pornography use do not appear to be rapidly increasing in the population, individuals who already struggle with compulsive pornography consumption tend to maintain these patterns. Crucially, the research draws a clear link between problematic use and higher rates of mental distress, such as symptoms of depression, anxiety, and emotional instability.
For a Thai audience, this development is particularly significant amid the widespread adoption of smartphones and high-speed internet nationwide, which has made online pornography readily accessible across all age groups. There have been growing concerns among parents, educators, and mental health professionals in Thailand about the rising exposure of youth to adult content, with local studies showing that children as young as 10 may encounter such material online. This has fuelled discussions about the need for better digital literacy education and more robust parental controls to protect vulnerable groups.
The latest research addresses a central question in the global discourse: is exposure to online pornography leading to new or worsening trends of compulsive usage, or do vulnerable individuals remain at consistent risk over time? By tracking individuals over an extended period, the study found that patterns of problematic consumption are relatively stable rather than escalating, suggesting that interventions should focus on those already experiencing difficulty rather than expecting an epidemic-level surge.
Health experts cited in coverage of the study stress the dual importance of understanding the psychological roots of compulsive behaviour and addressing the associated mental health concerns. One clinical psychologist from an international academic centre notes, “Problematic pornography use does not exist in a vacuum—there are often underlying issues like anxiety, depression, or unresolved trauma driving these behaviours. Treatment should target both the compulsive behaviour and the mental distress that frequently accompanies it.” This holistic perspective is increasingly endorsed in the broader mental healthcare community, including practitioners in Thailand’s urban centres.
From a policy standpoint, these findings reinforce calls for the Thai health authorities and education sector to integrate mental health support within digital literacy and sex education programmes. According to senior officials at the Thai Ministry of Public Health, current initiatives such as the “Safe Online, Happy Mind” campaign are being reviewed to place more emphasis on mental health screening and counselling for students identified as at risk. The enduring stigma around mental health, however, continues to be a barrier for many in seeking timely help, especially in rural provinces where resources are scarcer.
Culturally, the topic of pornography consumption remains highly sensitive in Thailand, intersecting with traditional notions of propriety, Buddhist values, and modern realities of digital life. In urban centres such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai, there has been a steady rise in demand for counselling on digital addictions, with NGOs and school counsellors reporting an uptick in concerns related to online sexual content. Nonetheless, public conversations about the issue are often muted, with families and educators sometimes reluctant to broach the subject.
Comparing Thailand’s situation with global trends, the stability in rates of problematic porn use echoes findings from research in Western countries, where stability rather than escalation is more typical. However, the strong correlation with mental distress highlights the universal need for accessible, stigma-free support services designed for both youth and adults.
Experts warn that with the rapid advance of artificial intelligence and immersive digital technologies, access to ever-more realistic adult content may become a greater mental health challenge in the years ahead. The expanding availability of pornography tailored by AI and virtual reality could potentially deepen compulsive usage in vulnerable individuals, making early intervention and sustained mental healthcare even more vital.
For Thai readers, the actionable takeaway is multifold. First, families are encouraged to normalise conversations about digital wellbeing and responsible internet use at home. Second, educators and school counsellors should receive training to identify and assist students who may be struggling with online compulsions and related mental health issues. Third, the government and healthcare providers should continue to expand services for mental distress and digital addiction, investing in outreach that is accessible and appropriate for all regions of Thailand.
Ultimately, the new research provides both reassurance—there’s no evidence of a runaway epidemic—and a caution: problematic use and its mental health consequences remain firmly entrenched. It is the ongoing, sustained support for those affected that will be crucial in improving outcomes, both within Thailand and internationally.
For more information, see: PsyPost.