#Pornography

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.

A growing digital crisis is sweeping across the United States and capturing global attention: the rise of pornography addiction and its complex impact on mental health and social wellbeing. Recent research, echoed in an April 2025 report by WWMT in Michigan, highlights how excessive consumption of online pornography is not just a matter of individual choice—it is evolving into a public health concern with serious personal and societal consequences. The phenomenon is increasingly relevant in Thailand, where digital access is rapidly expanding and patterns of media consumption mirror global trends.