Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Listen to the Intro
The Porn Myth summary
Matt Fradd
Exposing the Reality Behind the Fantasy of Pornography
15 mins
Brief summary
The Porn Myth by Matt Fradd exposes the myths surrounding pornography, revealing its harmful effects on individuals and society. It provides insights and strategies to break free from its grip and build healthy relationships.
Table of Contents
The Porn Myth
Summary of 3 key ideas
Audio & text in the Blinkist app
Key idea 1 of 3
Are you under the influence?
Does pornography really influence our thoughts and actions? This question has long been debated, yet evidence continues to mount suggesting that different forms of media profoundly shape our attitudes and behaviors.
Consider the power of advertising. Companies pour billions into brief TV commercials and billboards. Extensive research shows that – however free and in control we might feel – the images and catchy slogans of this big business do indeed alter our purchasing decisions. Whether we like it or not, advertising works.
Now apply this principle to pornography. Can graphic sexual images teach and encourage certain behaviors in viewers? Experts say they can. Humans learn by observing others – what’s called observational learning. Just as advertising subtly tweaks our perceptions, pornography slowly and unknowingly molds our sexual desires.
While correlation doesn’t prove causation, some studies reveal that high exposure to porn is linked with increased sexual aggression, especially among men already at risk for such behavior. A 2000 study divided men into high vs low risk for aggressiveness. For low-risk men, more porn didn't correlate with more violence. But among high-risk men, those watching more porn were "much more likely" to engage in aggression against women.
Other research has found that porn reduces commitment to romantic relationships. Investigators asked a group of male college students in relationships to abstain from porn for a period of time. Meanwhile, a control group was asked to give up their favorite food. In the end, those who’d been chosen to forgo pornography reported greater dedication to their real-life relationship than the second group.
Pornography's impact also shows up physically. Shocking numbers of healthy men in their 20s now struggle with erectile dysfunction, or ED, during in-person sexual encounters. Doctors link surging rates of ED to frequent masturbation to porn. Studies show that today, nearly 30 percent of males aged 18 to 24 have some degree of ED, versus just 5 percent in 1992.
In one survey, three out of five young men admitted they could get aroused and reach orgasm viewing porn, but regularly experienced ED issues with actual partners. Extensive porn consumption seems to accustom the brain to constant novelty, variety, and intensity – all without any demand of fulfilling a real sexual partner. When this route to sexual release becomes the norm, real intimacy with another person loses some of its appeal.
Of course, measuring the effect of media on populations is never easy. And of course, different people respond differently. But more and more research suggests that, just as junk food wrecks our bodies, junk media damages our minds. Both gradually rewire our natural human instincts. Just as smart eaters limit sugar and choose healthy whole foods, when it comes to pornography's allure, smart media consumers will exercise restraint.
Want to see all full key ideas from The Porn Myth?
Key ideas in The Porn Myth
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is The Porn Myth about?
The Porn Myth (2017) offers a secular rebuttal to pro-pornography advocacy, drawing on research in neuroscience, sociology, and psychology. With insightful analysis of the latest scientific findings on addiction and harm, the book dispels myths, exposes porn's negative impacts, and provides advice on overcoming porn addiction.
The Porn Myth Review
The Porn Myth (2010) uncovers the truth about pornography and its effects on individuals and society. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It presents evidence-based research and expert opinions, shedding light on the harmful impact of pornography.
- Offering a compassionate approach, it seeks to empower individuals to break free from the addiction and to find true intimacy and fulfillment in relationships.
- With its thought-provoking insights and eye-opening stories, the book challenges societal norms and prompts important conversations about sexuality and well-being.
Who should read The Porn Myth?
- People struggling with porn addiction who want to break free
- Activists and advocates against the harms of the porn industry
- Religious people looking for secular arguments against porn
Categories with The Porn Myth
Book summaries like The Porn Myth
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
The Porn Myth FAQs
What is the main message of The Porn Myth?
The Porn Myth challenges the belief that pornography is harmless and explores its negative impact.
How long does it take to read The Porn Myth?
The reading time for The Porn Myth varies, but the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Porn Myth a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Porn Myth is a thought-provoking book that sheds light on the damaging effects of pornography.
Who is the author of The Porn Myth?
The author of The Porn Myth is Matt Fradd.
What to read after The Porn Myth?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Porn Myth, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Pornland by Gail Dines
- The Porn Trap by Wendy Maltz & Larry Maltz
- Your Brain on Porn by Gary Wilson
- Wired for Intimacy by William M. Struthers
- Come Together by Emily Nagoski
- Relational Intelligence by Dharius Daniels
- Wear It Well by Allison Bornstein
- Sexual Detox by Tim Challies
- Why We Remember by Charan Ranganath
- How to Talk to Anyone by Leil Lowndes