Britain Leads the Way in Online Porn

LONDON — Adult webmasters take note: The fastest-growing market for online porn is Great Britain, according to a Nielsen NetRatings study, which found that U.K.-based users employ the search term “porn” more than any other group in the English-speaking world.

According to the study, 40 percent of British men had visited porn sites within the last year, with an equal number having downloaded adult content within the past month. From a larger perspective, the study found, users in the island nation have increased from 2 million 6-years ago to 9 million today.

Not to be left out, viewership among British women saw a 30 percent spike, going from 1 million to 1.5 million in the past year. Women represent the fastest growing demographic group, according to the study.

The study also found that more than half of all children surveyed had looked at adult websites.

While more pornography is available to Britons online, the boom in adult viewership comes as part of an overall trend, according to the study, which found that national film censors had approved more hardcore films than 18-rated — the U.K. equivalent to R-rated — in the past few years.

While some in Britain found the increase in porn viewership to be an encouraging sign of the country’s sexual liberation, others were alarmed by the trend.

"I'm concerned that the boundaries are being pushed on what is acceptable,” Parliament Member Sandra Gidley, said. “Some of the hardcore stuff is quite shocking.”

Phillip Hodson of the British Association for Counseling and Psychotherapy worried that the prevalence of porn in the country could do damage to the nation’s couples.

"The Internet has made sex-lazy men even sex-lazier where they get lost in their own world," Hodson said. "It used to be said that men neglected foreplay, but now they are neglecting sex."

Counselors who treat couples for relationship problems have reported that as many as 40 percent of couples seeking help cite porn as a contributing factor to their difficulties.

According to the British press, the U.K. porn industry is worth approximately $1.6 billion.

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

BranditScan Launches 'Make It Rain' Campaign for Creators

BranditScan has launched its "Make It Rain" campaign, allowing content creators to earn cash by sharing the company's brand protection tools on X.com.

xHamster Announces 2024 Award Winners

xHamster has announced the winners of its second annual awards.

Blush Erotica Launches VR Channel 'BlushTV'

Blush Erotica has launched the new BlushTV VR channel on its flagship site.

Signature Payments, BunnyCMS Partner for Secure Payment Processing

Adult content management platform BunnyCMS has partnered with Signature Payments to offer creators secure payment processing.

Sexologist Dr. Susan Block Files Motion in Meta Lawsuit

Sexologist Dr. Susan Block has filed a motion with a California court to vacate an arbitrator's June decision to throw out her deplatforming case against Meta.

JustFor.fans Launches BlueSky Autoposting Feature

JustFor.fans has launched a new BlueSky autoposting feature that shares JFF posts on the social media platform.

Pineapple Support Introduces 'Sacred Rage' Support Group for Performers, Creators

Pineapple Support will host a free online support group for performers and creators, designed for individuals struggling with intense emotions and the pain often hidden behind their anger.

FSC: Kansas Attorneys Seeking Plaintiffs to Sue Adult Companies Over Age Verification

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has released a statement warning that a personal injury law firm in Kansas is soliciting plaintiffs to sue adult companies under the state's age verification law.

Ukrainian Parliament Registers Bill to Decriminalize Porn

Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, registered a bill today to decriminalize the creation and distribution of pornography.

Cherie DeVille Guests on 'Sex Tales' Podcast

2023 XBIZ Performer of the Year Cherie DeVille is the latest guest on the "Sex Tales" podcast, hosted by Melissa Stratton and Vanniall, streaming on the company’s “Camming Life” YouTube channel.

Show More