A new sexual orientation to describe those who love porn even more than sex in real life has reportedly emerged.
Pornosexuality refers to those who identify with only being aroused by pornography and experience pleasure alone rather than through human interaction.
It differs from other sexual orientations because it’s a learned behavior that’s void of attachment or bonding with others.
People are more likely to become a pornosexual by watching X-rated material frequently as it desensitizes the brain and body, according to sex addiction therapist Christene Lozano.
She told Medical Daily: “The convenience of getting off online without the potential work, vulnerability, intimacy, and connection with others can be appealing to some.”
But the convenience of being able to access porn readily online has led to more people choosing to spend time alone rather than getting intimate in the bedroom.
Certified sex therapist Amanda Pasciucco said: “[P]ornsexuals experience all of their sexual pleasure in isolation instead of shared.”
She said that identifying as a pornosexual may be a way of masking insecurities such as a fear of intimacy while psychotherapist Dr. Fran Walfish explains the label is another way of saying “I’m an intimacy phobe”.
Pasciucco added: “They do not have to put themselves in the uncomfortable situation of building their confidence to go out and ask others to connect intimately with them. It makes them more self-conscious, anxious, fearful, and rejected.”
Marcus Jackson, a self-declared pornosexual, wrote an article for Thought Catalog where he said he would “choose porn over real sex any day.”
He acknowledged that real sex can lead to intimacy and love but controversially stated he didn’t need it and that “porn is easier.”
Dr. Walfish says the rise of pornosexuals in relationships is often due to a breakdown in communication between the couple.
However watching porn doesn’t have to be bad for the relationship and some studies have suggested that those who watch porn together have a better relationship because of their honesty and communication.
However, therapists would advise watching porn in moderation, as watching too much can lead to addictive behavior.
Studies have shown that porn consumption can “rewire the brain” and increase the likelihood addictive behavior will emerge.
A study by Robert Weiss, a director of sexual disorders services in the US, found that for around five to eight per cent of the adult population, porn can evolve into an addictive behavior.
This comes as a recent study revealed that watching porn can leave men with erectile dysfunction because their sexual tolerance is higher.
Experts say it is possible to receive therapy for those who want to change their sexual desires and overcome porn addictions but there needs to be an urge to make it work.