Study Shows Inconclusive Link Between Internet Porn, Low Brain Activity

BERLIN — A recent study published by JAMA Psychiatry showed a possible — but inconclusive  — link between watching porn and lowered brain activity in neural structures associated with reward processing and motivated behavior.  

“Since pornography appeared on the Internet, the accessibility, affordability and anonymity of consuming visual sexual stimuli have increased and attracted millions of users,” the study’s authors wrote in their report. “Based on the assumption that pornography consumption bears resemblance with reward-seeking behavior, novelty-seeking behavior and addictive behavior, we hypothesized alterations of the frontostriatal network in frequent users.”

In their study, “Brain Structure and Functional Connectivity Associated With Pornography Consumption: The Brain on Porn,” they looked at the gray matter density in key reward-related structures (including the caudate and putamen) in 64 healthy males with a broad range of porn consumption habits.

Those who reported watching more porn exhibited less brain density in the measured areas and also showed diminished brain activity in response to sexual stimuli (suggesting decreased sensitivity and altered neural pathways), when compared to others in the study who reported watching less porn.   

Noting this, the authors concluded “Alternatively, it could be a precondition that makes pornography consumption more rewarding.”

As a reporter at The Wire noted in response to the study, almost any repetitive activity can alter neural structures and reward systems, akin to classic addiction models.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 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

Lily Starfire on Power, Pleasure, and Listening to Her Body

On any given day, you might easily pass Lily Starfire in a park or notice her picking out vegetables at the market, and never guess that she’s one of the adult industry’s rising stars. Not because she doesn’t look the part — she’s radiant — but because there’s zero diva energy here, just a young woman with an easygoing smile, a contagious laugh and a friendly aura that whispers “Georgia roots.”

Destiny James, Breezy Bri Headline 'Lesbian Step-Daughters 8'

Destiny James and Breezy Bri topline “Lesbian Step-Daughters 8” from Girlfriends Films.

Spicey AI Relaunches Site, Debuts $Spicey Tokens

Interactive voice chat platform Spicey AI has relaunched its website and introduced $Spicey tokens.

Liz Jordan, Sarah Illustrates Star in 3rd Installment of Blacked Feature 'The Blueprint'

Liz Jordan stars with Vixen Media Group exclusives Sarah Illustrates and Jason Luv in the third installment of studio imprint Blacked's new feature, "The Blueprint."

FSC: Missouri Age Verification Rule Will Not Take Effect August 30

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) announced that Missouri's proposed age verification legislation will not take effect on August 30, as it had originally estimated.

Little Caprice, Marcello Bravo to Co-Host 2025 XMA Europa Awards

XBIZ is pleased to announce that husband-and-wife duo Little Caprice and Marcello Bravo will co-host adult’s biggest night in Europe: the 2025 XMA Europa Awards on Sept. 4, in the epic climax to XBIZ’s fall events series.

TEAs Reveal 2026 Event Dates

The 2026 Trans Erotica Awards (TEAs) and related festivities will take place March 6-8 at Avalon in Hollywood, organizers have announced.

Germany Will Block Payments to AV-Noncompliant Adult Sites as of Dec. 1

Starting Dec. 1, Germany will implement new rules prohibiting financial institutions from providing payment services to adult sites deemed to have inadequate age verification systems and making it easier for the government to target websites mirroring the content of such sites.

Jerkmate Joins Pineapple Support as Partner-Level Sponsor

Jerkmate has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Elly Clutch Leads Latest From Brazzers

2024 XMAs Female Clip Creator of the Year Elly Clutch stars with Mick Blue in the latest scene from Brazzers, titled “Co-Anchors With Benefits.”

Show More