Porn Addiction Statistics (2025) – Rates, Demographics, More

Self-reported addiction is rising, especially among people using porn to cope emotionally. From usage patterns to emotional fallout, the numbers show how widespread and complex this issue is.

Below, we break down key statistics — who’s most affected, how often it’s reported, and what research says about long-term impact.

Overview of Porn Addiction Statistics

Many people report problems with compulsive pornography use. These struggles often connect to mental health issues, relationship strain, and sexual difficulties.

Here’s a snapshot of current data on porn addiction rates:

• Porn addiction in the U.S.: In 2023, the U.S. made up 34.2% of all global traffic to PornHub — the largest share by far.
• Global porn addiction: Porn use is widespread worldwide, ranging from 50% to 99% among men and 30% to 86% among women, depending on age, country, and study method.
• Gender: Men report pornography addiction nearly 3x more than women.
• Age: Most porn use happens among people aged 18 to 34.
• Racial demographics: Porn use spans all racial groups with slight differences.
• Porn access: Nearly all U.S. internet users can access porn due to few restrictions and widespread device use.
• Porn use: Millions watch porn regularly, and many struggle to cut back even when they want to.
• Health effects: Frequent viewing links to lower sexual health and higher rates of anxiety and depression.
• Relationship effects: Addiction can reduce intimacy, build mistrust, and harm a partner’s sex life.

How Common Is Porn Addiction?

Porn addiction is hard to measure because most people report it themselves. Still, the data we do have shows that many people struggle with how often they watch porn. Here’s a quick look at how common porn addiction is in the U.S. and around the world.

U.S. Porn Addiction Rates

In the U.S., 58% of adults have watched pornography at least once, and 27% say they viewed it within the past month.
Another study found 1 in 3 Americans actively seek out porn monthly.

In some southern states, people spend more time per visit on porn sites than the national average. This may reflect heavier or more prolonged porn habits. That doesn’t prove addiction, but it may indicate problematic use.

With constant internet access, many Americans, especially young adults aged 18 to 34 years old, are regularly exposed to high levels of sexually explicit content.

Global Porn Addiction Rates

This issue isn’t just in the U.S. In Australia, about 3% of men and 1% of women say they’re addicted to porn. A study in the UK found that 1 in 5 teens watches porn often, and some say they can’t stop.

Globally, the U.S., Philippines, and United Kingdom lead in online porn use. France, Mexico, Japan, and Canada also rank high.

In many developed countries, easy and unrestricted internet access has made pornography more available than ever — leading to usage rates of about 70% among men and 33% among women.

Even if it’s not always called “addiction,” heavy and frequent porn use is becoming a growing concern in countries around the world.

Problematic Porn Use (PPU) Statistics

Problematic pornography use (PPU) involves watching porn in ways that harm mental health, relationships, or daily function.

Key findings on PPU include:

• Many users tried to quit porn and couldn’t.
• Some users report that their porn use causes emotional distress or relationship strain, especially when it feels out of control.
• A 2023 Journal of Behavioral Addictions review linked PPU to anxiety, depression, and poor coping mechanisms.
• Surveys show that a large majority of men and a significant portion of women in the U.S. view pornography at least occasionally.
• With thousands of adult sites just a click away, access to porn has never been easier, raising concerns about overuse and compulsive behavior.
• Excessive use may rewire the brain’s reward system, reducing pleasure in daily life.
• High-frequency pornography use has been linked to reduced sexual desire, satisfaction, and performance, especially among men.

Even when not labeled an addiction, PPU can mirror patterns seen in substance abuse and should be addressed through proper addiction treatment.

Statistics on Porn Addiction Risk Factors

There’s no single cause of porn addiction or problematic pornography use, but some people are more at risk than others.

Risk factors for porn addiction include:

• Mental health struggles
• Age
• Gender
• Beliefs about porn
• How the brain responds to rewards like dopamine

Mental health plays a big role. Studies show that people with depression, anxiety, or trauma are more likely to report porn-related problems. Some may use porn to cope with emotions, which can lead to habits that feel out of control.

Beliefs also matter. One study found that people who think porn is morally wrong are more likely to say they’re addicted, even if their use is low. This shows how guilt and shame can shape people and their habits.

Other risk factors include:

• Gender: Men are more likely to view porn often and report addiction.
• Age: Young adults and adolescents are the most frequent users.
• Coping: Using porn to handle stress or escape emotions can increase risk.
• Shame: Feeling guilty about sexual desires may lead to distress.
• Co-occurring behaviors: Issues like substance use or compulsive behaviors often overlap with porn addiction.

Not everyone with these traits develops sexual addiction, but these patterns can help identify who may need support.

Porn Addiction Rates & Gender

Gender is a big factor in how people use porn. Men report watching more often and are more likely to say they have a pornography addiction. One study found that 11% of men said they were addicted, compared to 3% of women.

Men also report more cravings, more trouble stopping, and more guilt after watching. Women who struggle with porn use may feel extra shame, since society often judges female sexuality differently.

Most porn addiction programs focus on male behavior. Experts are starting to learn how sexual addiction can look different for women, especially when it comes to emotions and self-worth.

Porn Addiction Rates & Age

Age is one of the biggest factors in pornography consumption. Pornography use is most common among teens and young adults, who tend to have more exposure and higher reported viewing rates compared to older age groups.
Adolescents are also exposed early.

Surveys of childhood exposure to porn show that:

• About 15% of children first see pornography before age 11
• 20–38% of youth aged 11 to 17 report seeing pornography online within the past year
• 68.4% of adolescents report exposure to online pornography
• Early and frequent use can lead to long-term problems with self-control, relationships, and sexual health. Some studies also show that early
• viewing may change how the brain’s reward system works.

Porn Addiction Rates by Race

The use of pornography and struggles with addiction affect people of all races, but some patterns appear.
A study from 1973 to 2016 found that Black men were the most likely to report regular porn use. Over time, rates of use among White women steadily increased as well.

There’s no clear link between race and porn addiction, but behavior can vary based on culture, tech access, and comfort with discussing sexual topics.

Either way, support needs to reach people across all racial and cultural groups.

Porn Addiction in the LGTBQ Community

Pornography consumption is common in both straight and LGBTQ communities. But people may watch for different reasons.
Gay and bisexual men often use porn to explore identity or preferences. But high use is also linked to anxiety, body image issues, and feeling dissatisfied or disconnected from real-life sexual experiences.

Sexual minority men report higher use and more cases of self-identified porn addiction than straight men. One study found more porn use often meant less relationship satisfaction and lower self-esteem.

It can also be harder for LGBTQ people to find help. That’s why inclusive, supportive treatment for problematic pornography use is so important.

Porn Addiction and Socio-Economic Status

Socio-economic status doesn’t have a clear link to porn addiction. But lifestyle and access can still make a difference.

Because the use of pornography is often free online, people of all income levels report watching internet pornography. Studies show no strong difference in addiction rates based on income.

Still, people with lower incomes may have less access to help. They may also feel less safe or supported when reaching out. Financial stress and being alone are both linked to more online habits, including pornography use.

It’s clear porn addiction can affect anyone. That’s why low-cost and easy-to-access treatment options matter.

The Growth of the Porn Industry

The porn industry has grown fast in the last 20 years. As internet access spreads, the use of pornography is easier than ever.

The online pornography industry generates billions of dollars annually, with revenues coming from subscriptions, advertising, and user-driven platforms like OnlyFans. While estimates vary, the financial scale reflects widespread and growing consumption.

In recent years, adult websites have seen tens of billions of visits annually, with the United States consistently ranking as the top traffic source worldwide. Even social media apps like Twitter and Snapchat now allow some adult content.

As porn became more popular, avenues like ads, paid subscriptions, and user-made videos helped the industry grow even more. Experts say this easy access may lead to more cases of compulsive or addictive behavior.

Statistics on Porn Effects

Effects of pornography vary, but many people report long-term issues, especially with heavy or daily use.
Here’s a look at how pornography can affect mental health, relationships, and more:

• Mental health: Porn use has been linked to guilt, shame, and lower self-worth. People with anxiety or depression may turn to porn to cope, which can create compulsive habits.
• Sexual health: Watching porn often — especially every day — can lower sexual satisfaction. Some men say it hurts arousal, desire, or connection during real sex.
• Relationships: Over half of people in relationships say porn harmed their connection, trust, or sex life. It can cause arguments, secrecy, and distance
• Trafficking and harm: Some parts of the porn industry are tied to sex trafficking and child sexual abuse material. Law enforcement reports thousands of cases every year.

Get Compassionate Help for Porn Addiction

If watching pornography or using it for masturbation feels out of control, you’re not alone. Millions struggle with internet porn use, and treatment can help.

There are many ways to get support. Therapists, support groups, and recovery apps offer real tools to help you stop. Treatment often includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), accountability, and learning healthy ways to cope.

Whether you’re looking for help for yourself or someone you care about, support is out there. You don’t have to go through this alone.

Browse our content and directory to learn more about treatment options.

Written by the Porn Addiction Editorial Staff