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Purpose of Review <p>Pornography consumption has become increasingly prevalent in digital environments, with a subset of individuals developing problematic pornography use (PPU). Despite growing research interest, limited attention has been given to the role of empathy and interpersonal sensitivity in this context. This narrative review aims to synthesize the available evidence on the relationship between pornography use, PPU, and socio-emotional processes, particularly empathy and interpersonal sensitivity.</p> Recent Findings <p>Across seven empirical studies, convergent evidence from cross-sectional, longitudinal, and experimental studies suggests that pornography exposure, especially when involving violent content, is associated with reduced empathy and increased emotional desensitization. Experimental studies suggest that exposure to sexually violent pornographic material is associated with lower empathic responses and greater acceptance of rape myths, whereas correlational and clinical studies link lower empathy to higher exposure to violent pornographic content and greater likelihood of coercive sexual behaviors. Early exposure to pornography, particularly when combined with adverse developmental experiences, may be associated with more pronounced socio-emotional effects. Emerging neurobiological evidence also points to alterations in oxytocin–vasopressin systems among individuals with PPU, raising the possibility of biopsychosocial mechanisms that could be linked to lower empathic functioning.</p> Summary <p>Overall, the available evidence indicates that pornography use may be associated with diminished empathy and increased objectification, particularly under conditions of high exposure to pornography or violent content. However, evidence specifically addressing interpersonal sensitivity remains limited and indirect. Nonetheless, methodological limitations, including the predominance of cross-sectional designs and heterogeneous measures, constrain causal interpretation. Future research should prioritize longitudinal and experimental designs, incorporate diverse samples, and integrate psychosocial and neurobiological measures. These findings also suggest that preventive and educational interventions focused on empathy and media literacy may mitigate potential adverse outcomes associated with pornography use and PPU.</p>

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Empathy and Interpersonal Sensitivity in Pornography Use and Problematic Pornography Use: A Narrative Review

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年8月5日

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  • Marta Mª Hernández-Monferrer,
  • Bárbara Alcázar Ruiz-Escribano,
  • Alejandro Villena-Moya,
  • Robin Engelhardt,
  • Jose Manuel Pérez-García

摘要

Purpose of Review

Pornography consumption has become increasingly prevalent in digital environments, with a subset of individuals developing problematic pornography use (PPU). Despite growing research interest, limited attention has been given to the role of empathy and interpersonal sensitivity in this context. This narrative review aims to synthesize the available evidence on the relationship between pornography use, PPU, and socio-emotional processes, particularly empathy and interpersonal sensitivity.

Recent Findings

Across seven empirical studies, convergent evidence from cross-sectional, longitudinal, and experimental studies suggests that pornography exposure, especially when involving violent content, is associated with reduced empathy and increased emotional desensitization. Experimental studies suggest that exposure to sexually violent pornographic material is associated with lower empathic responses and greater acceptance of rape myths, whereas correlational and clinical studies link lower empathy to higher exposure to violent pornographic content and greater likelihood of coercive sexual behaviors. Early exposure to pornography, particularly when combined with adverse developmental experiences, may be associated with more pronounced socio-emotional effects. Emerging neurobiological evidence also points to alterations in oxytocin–vasopressin systems among individuals with PPU, raising the possibility of biopsychosocial mechanisms that could be linked to lower empathic functioning.

Summary

Overall, the available evidence indicates that pornography use may be associated with diminished empathy and increased objectification, particularly under conditions of high exposure to pornography or violent content. However, evidence specifically addressing interpersonal sensitivity remains limited and indirect. Nonetheless, methodological limitations, including the predominance of cross-sectional designs and heterogeneous measures, constrain causal interpretation. Future research should prioritize longitudinal and experimental designs, incorporate diverse samples, and integrate psychosocial and neurobiological measures. These findings also suggest that preventive and educational interventions focused on empathy and media literacy may mitigate potential adverse outcomes associated with pornography use and PPU.