Statement by Dawn Hawkins, Executive Director of NCOSE
Washington, DC – A new Gallup Poll asked Americans to rate the moral acceptability of various topics, including pornography. The National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) affirms the poll’s findings on pornography and notes pornography’s negative effects on relationships and self-image. “This recent Gallup Poll reveals that the majority of Americans have an unfavorable view of pornography,” said Dawn Hawkins, Executive Director of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, “Sixty-one percent found pornography unacceptable. This is not surprising. The movement against pornography and all sexual exploitation is gaining momentum across ideological and political spheres. Even public figures, like Rashida Jones and Terry Crews, are speaking out against pornography because the harmful effects of the industry are becoming widely acknowledged.”
“Pornography actually harms viewers’ quality of life,” Hawkins continued. “A 2015 study found that men’s frequency of pornography use is positively linked to body image insecurity regarding muscularity and body fat, and to increased anxiety in romantic relationships. Another study from 2015 also reveals that the pornography use of men in relationships with women is associated with decreased relationship satisfaction and increased psychological distress for the woman. Far from being a benefit to intimacy, pornography harms self-image and relationships. No wonder so many Americans are sick and tired of it.”
“Resources for those struggling with pornography, their loved ones, and parents who want to protect their children from pornography can be found here, http://endsexualexploitation.
